Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: Compassion Ministries, Student Workbook, SW16

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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

Titus 3.8 - The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. Titus 3.14 - And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. Heb. 10.24 - And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. 1 Pet. 2.12 - Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evil doers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. Yes, we as believers have nothing to boast about before God. He saved us, cleansed us, empowers us, encourages us. We have been set free to help others be released. We have been redeemed in order that we might be redemptive. We have been lifted up that we might strengthen the lives of others. Have you embraced your call before God, to be the workmanship of God in Christ Jesus in order that you might exhibit the very works of Christ in your family, on your street, at your job, in your ministry? This is the way to demonstrate your gratitude to God, who gave all for you in order that you might now demonstrate your love for others.

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2 Cor. 8.9 - For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer: Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal Jesus gave his disciples a new commandment, to love one another as he loved them. Write this commandment in our hearts; give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, who gave his life and died for us, yet is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Nicene Creed and Prayer

~ Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Theology and Worship Ministry Unit. Book of Common Worship . Louisville: Westminister/John Knox Press, 1993. p. 270.