(James 4:8 NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you. ....

(Matthew 20:17-18 NLT) As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside privately and told them what was going to happen to him. “Listen,” he said, “we’re going up to Jerusalem,. . . ."

√ Struggled with UNFORGIVENESS.

(Matthew 18:21 NIV) Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?"

√ Derailed by FEAR.

(Matthew 14:30 NLT) But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.

√ IMPULSIVE.

(John 18:10 NLT) Then Simon Peter drew a sword and slashed off the right ear of Malchus, the high priest's slave.

√ Denied even knowing JESUS.

(Matthew 26:31-35 NLT) On the way, Jesus told them, "Tonight all of you will desert me. . . . . "Peter declared, "Even if everyone else deserts you, I will neverdesert you." Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, Peter--this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me." "No!" Peter insisted. "Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!" And all the other disciples vowed the same.

(Luke 22:61-62 NLT) At that moment the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Suddenly, the Lord's words flashed through Peter's mind: "Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me."And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.

√ COMPASSION moved Jesus to ACT.


• Compassion moves people to RESPOND.

(Mark 1:41, 45 NLT) Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. "I am willing," he said. "Be healed!" . . .

(Mark 1:45 NLT) But the man went and spread the word, proclaiming to everyone what had happened. As a result, large crowds soon surrounded Jesus, and he couldn't publicly enter a town anywhere. ....

Compassion: Awareness of someone's misfortune ACCOMPANIED with an action to relieve it.

√ See them through the LENS OF ETERNITY.

(1 Timothy 2:4-5 NLT) ...God our Savior who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.

(1 John 3:17-18 NLT) If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion--how can God's love be in that person? Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.

√ Compassion closes the GAP.

(Luke 15:20 NLT) "So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.