Bridges of Mercy:
A New Nature
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Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
What is your favorite part of the week?
How have you seen God moving in your life this past week?
How have you seen God moving in your life this past week?
Key Scriptures
Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful.
Luke 6:36 AMP
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
Luke 6:36 AMP
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NLT
Start thinking and sharing.
Read Luke 6:36. 1. Based on this verse, how would you define mercy in your own words? 2. How do you see God showing mercy—in Scripture, and in your own life? 3. What are some specific, real-life opportunities where you could reflect God's mercy to others this week? 4. What makes showing mercy difficult sometimes? What can help us grow in mercy?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. 1. Have you experienced God's comfort in a difficult season? 2. What did that look like for you? How was it different from the kind of comfort people usually offer? 3. According to these verses, why does God comfort us? 4. How can we practically pass on God’s comfort to someone else this week—especially someone who is hurting or discouraged?
Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. 1. Have you experienced God's comfort in a difficult season? 2. What did that look like for you? How was it different from the kind of comfort people usually offer? 3. According to these verses, why does God comfort us? 4. How can we practically pass on God’s comfort to someone else this week—especially someone who is hurting or discouraged?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
God, thank you for your mercy and your love which was demonstrated at the cross. Thank you Jesus for pouring out your life so that I can live a life full of God's mercy and grace. Holy Spirit, help me to be someone who shows the love and mercy of Jesus in everything that I do. Help me to see the people in my life that I have overlooked. Help me to reach out to people and extend your love, your kindness, and your mercy. I want to share what you are giving me! So, I ask now for more Lord -- more of your grace, your mercy, your kindness, and your love in my life. It's in Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Start doing. Let's focus on prayer/reflection.
This week, ask God to show you one person in your life who feels lost, overlooked, or far from Him. Pray for that person daily, and look for a way to show them God's mercy—whether through a kind word, an act of service, or simply by listening with compassion. Be available, be gentle, and let your presence reflect the heart of Jesus, who came to seek and save the lost!