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

6. Love to all, Gal. 6.10

E. The importance of love within the Christian family

1. As sign of one’s salvation, 1 John 4.10

2. As proof of one’s discipleship, John 13.35

3. As evidence of one’s communion with God, 1 John 4.20

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F. Implications for the urban church

1. As the covenant people of God, we are to begin our responsibility for justice and mercy among the members of the Church, Gal. 6.10.

2. While family is given a large responsibility to care for its own members, the local church is also a primary channel of love and grace to meet the needs of those hurting in our midst, 1 Tim. 5.3-5.

3. Membership is critical as to be able to discern those who belong to us, and therefore who are eligible for our first (not only!) acts of mercy and justice, 1 John 2.19.

4. Benevolence ministries are not merely a footnote on the page of the Church; how we care for our members is the sign of our relationship with God, 1 John 3.