Get the appTeaching ToleranceSample
SEEING NEEDS AND SHOWING COMPASSION
TALKING TO GOD
Ask God to help you see others as He sees them and to give you a heart of compassion for those who do not have a relationship with Him.
DIVING IN
Clear a space in your home where you can walk around blindfolded and not hurt yourself. Turn up the volume on a radio so that it drowns out your normal speaking voice. On one side of the family room, blindfold a family member. From across the room, have another family member whisper directions that guide the blindfolded person to him or her. Ask the whisperer to gradually speak up until the blindfolded person can hear the directions and safely make it to the other side of the room.
GOING DEEPER
One of the reasons that Jesus came into the world was to help the blind see. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." People who do not know God are like people who are blind or blindfolded. They cannot find their way to God and to His forgiveness and love. They are "spiritually blind" and need the guidance of God's truth to lead them in the right direction. To make matters worse, the noises of the world—such as people's differing opinions about God—often drown out the truth that would guide them. They may listen to and agree with many wrong opinions and follow what seems best or easiest to them.
Clear directions helped your blindfolded family member cross the floor amid the blaring sounds of a radio. In much the same way, Jesus wants to help those who do not have a relationship with God find their way to Him. He is the way through the distracting noises of the world, and He has compassion on them because they are blind and confused. As followers of Christ, we should have the same attitude toward those who are spiritually blind.
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
- How did it feel to try and listen for or give the directions with the distracting noise?
- What "noises" might keep nonbelievers from hearing God's love for them?
- How might thinking of nonbelievers as being spiritually blind help you show them compassion?
TALKING TO GOD
Ask God to help you see others as He sees them and to give you a heart of compassion for those who do not have a relationship with Him.
DIVING IN
Clear a space in your home where you can walk around blindfolded and not hurt yourself. Turn up the volume on a radio so that it drowns out your normal speaking voice. On one side of the family room, blindfold a family member. From across the room, have another family member whisper directions that guide the blindfolded person to him or her. Ask the whisperer to gradually speak up until the blindfolded person can hear the directions and safely make it to the other side of the room.
GOING DEEPER
One of the reasons that Jesus came into the world was to help the blind see. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus says, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." People who do not know God are like people who are blind or blindfolded. They cannot find their way to God and to His forgiveness and love. They are "spiritually blind" and need the guidance of God's truth to lead them in the right direction. To make matters worse, the noises of the world—such as people's differing opinions about God—often drown out the truth that would guide them. They may listen to and agree with many wrong opinions and follow what seems best or easiest to them.
Clear directions helped your blindfolded family member cross the floor amid the blaring sounds of a radio. In much the same way, Jesus wants to help those who do not have a relationship with God find their way to Him. He is the way through the distracting noises of the world, and He has compassion on them because they are blind and confused. As followers of Christ, we should have the same attitude toward those who are spiritually blind.
TALKING TO EACH OTHER
- How did it feel to try and listen for or give the directions with the distracting noise?
- What "noises" might keep nonbelievers from hearing God's love for them?
- How might thinking of nonbelievers as being spiritually blind help you show them compassion?
Scripture
About this Plan
Our world is becoming increasingly complex, and it’s difficult to discern opinion from truth. This four-day plan is designed to remind you and your children that what we believe—especially about God—is important. You’ll also engage with Scripture to help you develop both compassion and courage in conversations with people who have different beliefs. Each day includes a prayer prompt, brief Scripture reading and explanation, hands-on activity, and discussion questions.
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From Focus on the Family's www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion. © [2011] [Lee Smedly]. Used by permission. For more information, please visit: www.focusonthefamily.com/youversion.
