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

What’s the Difference between Them?

In the wake of so many natural disasters in our country and around the world (e.g., Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the earthquake in Pakistan, etc.) many nations, organizations, and individuals have poured out their goods and services to care for the victims of these situations. Millions of dollars has been raised and tens of thousands of hours have been given by relief organizations and government agencies to relieve the suffering of families and individuals who have experienced death, loss, and ill health. Apparently, this sacrifice and aid appears to be motivated by good will and genuine care for human sufferers. In your opinion, is there a difference between the kind of care and concern offered to sufferers by unbelievers and that which is given by Christians? Do you think God discriminates between love shown to victims by pagan or unbelieving individuals and that offered by believers in Jesus Christ? Explain your answer.

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Doing Justice and Loving Mercy: The Urban Congregation

Segment 1: Charity Begins at Home

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

The motivation for enduring justice and mercy is the experience of the grace of God through the Gospel of Christ. We in fact demonstrate to others the same grace and mercy we have received as members of the body of Christ, and do so in the power of the Holy Spirit. The effect of the grace of God on the believing community is to produce unconditional surrender to the lordship of Christ, and an aggressive commitment to show generosity and hospitality to the underserved and vulnerable among us. In the Old Testament, God’s covenant people Israel were called to live as a sign of his rulership and Kingdom. As such, God demanded that they demonstrate justice and mercy within their ranks, that they denounce the oppression of the poor, and treat the vulnerable and hurting with great grace and care. Today, the Church of Jesus Christ is God’s kingdom community, called to reveal God’s justice and mercy through its good works and advocacy of the poor and the oppressed.

Summary of Segment 1

Our objective for this segment, Charity Begins at Home, is to enable you to see that:

• The motivation for enduring justice and mercy is the experience of the grace of God through the Gospel of Christ. We, in fact, demonstrate to others the same grace and mercy we have received as members of the body of Christ.