Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Mentor's Guide, MG16

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D O I N G J U S T I C E A N D L O V I N G M E R C Y : C O M P A S S I O N M I N I S T R I E S

was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

These and other texts remind us in Christian leadership that our primary role of demonstrating the love and justice of God must always begin at home. As before, notice again the objectives below, and remember the role that they play in helping you direct the attention of the students to the truths you will want them to concentrate upon as they engage in the study. Your challenge again as Mentor and instructor is to emphasize the centrality of these concepts throughout the lesson, especially during the discussions and interaction with the students. The more you can highlight the objectives throughout the class period, the better the chances are that they will understand and grasp the magnitude of these objectives. This devotion focuses on God’s intention that his people be abundant in good works, the natural and authenticating sign of those who truly worship God. What is significant here is that the most appropriate expression of a life that comprehends the grace of God will be fleshing out that awareness in tangible acts of kindness, care, and love shown first to members of the family of God, and then and also to those whom we encounter in need. The concept of hospitality, of practicing good works of tangible care and concern for others, is a key NT concept. John Koenig’s concise summary of hospitality may give you insight into the thoroughgoing nature of care for others in the Scriptures: Paul writes that “the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14.17). This statement appears to contradict the gospel traditions in which meals are seen as a primary locus for the appearance of the Kingdom. But the context in Romans shows that Paul does not intend to separate meals as such from the impact of the gospel. Instead, he is trying to reconcile two factions of believers who disagree over which foods may be consumed and are thus prevented from sharing the common meals of the Church. Presumably, these would include the Lord’s Supper. Paul’s hope is that all groups in Rome will “welcome one another . . . as Christ has welcomed [them] for the glory of God” (Rom. 15.7). This

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