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

1. Unconditionally: done purely because the person is in need, Isa. 58.7-8

a. Spurn any tendency to turn your works of mercy into “acts of merit.”

b. Sin on the side of compassion; human beings are penultimately ends in themselves .

c. To be “perfect” in our acts of mercy we must recognize that the Father makes it to rain on the just and the unjust .

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2. Conditionally: dependent upon the effort and cooperation of the person receiving the care, 2 Thess. 3.6-12

a. Do not reward laziness or sinful behavior, but publicly acknowledge service on behalf of the body.

b. Avoid hoarding and stinginess as you strive to avoid making members dependent.

c. Some giving will demand that individuals take the steps toward the resolution of their situation: 2 Thess. 3.10.

E. Ministry should occur in both word of proclamation as well as deeds of demonstration. James 2.14-26 - What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? [15] If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, [16] and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed