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

B. Effects of the grace of God upon the believing

1. Love for the Lord demonstrated in unconditional surrender of ourselves to him as a living sacrifice, Rom. 12.1-2

2. Love for those who belong to the Lord, 1 John 4.7-8

3. Generosity and hospitality toward those who are equally underserved and unlovely

a. Matt. 5.43-45

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b. Prov. 25.21-22

C. Implications for the ministries of mercy in and through the Church

1. The person (or church) unwilling to demonstrate love to others is either carnal or unchristian, 1 John 4.20.

2. No one can sustain a ministry of mercy and love toward others unless they have experienced the love of God personally through faith in Jesus Christ, John 15.4-5.

3. The ground of all Christian generosity, hospitality, and care giving is the experience of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

a. Christian love is anchored in unmerited favor, not in those who show a “worthiness to be cared for.”