Autumn 2 – 2024
This half-term, we will be looking at the value of compassion.
Noticing a Need
The dictionary defines compassion as, “a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for the suffering or bad luck of others and a wish to help them.”
There are many stories in the Bible about Jesus noticing the needs of others and showing compassion. Once he went off in a boat to find a place away from crowds where he and his disciples could rest. But when he reached the shore, on the other side of the lake there were yet more people wanting him to help them and heal those who were ill.
When Jesus saw the crowd, his heart was filled with compassion, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.”
Mark 6.34
Here are some videos you could watch at home with your child to discuss compassion:
How did Jesus show compassion?
Can you think of any other stories from the Bible where Jesus showed compassion?
How have you shown compassion?
Being a Good Neighbour
By telling the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus was teaching us that everyone in need is our neighbour, even when they are not our special friends.
How do you think we can show that we are good neighbours today?
Who are your neighbours?
Having the Right Attitude
“Clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” – Colossians 3.12
The word compassion is the combination of two words, ‘com’ which means with and passion, which can mean suffering or sad, trying to understand how they might feel and showing that you care about them.
Look at the picture.
What do you think might have happened to the girl to make her feel sad?
What do you think the girl might be saying to show compassion?
Courage to Care
In worship, we shared the story of Moses as a baby and discussed who showed courage to care and be compassionate. You can watch this story by clicking the link below:
The Domino Effect
One tiny push of a domino has a huge effect on everything else.
Compassion can be like that: When one person has the courage to start it, it goes on and on and on…
- How did Jesus show compassion?
- How were Jesus and the blind man courageous?
- Who could have showed more compassion?
- How could you be more courageous with your compassion?
God of the Unexpected
Where did the angels say the baby would be found?
Do you think this is where you would expect to find the Saviour of the World? Where might you expect to find him to be born?
Who did the angels tell of the birth of the Saviour of the World?
Who might you expect to be told first?
One of the names given to Jesus is Emmanuel, which means ‘God is with us’. Jesus was sent by God the Father to come among us in a most unexpected way.
He was not born to an important family but to an ordinary mother; he was not laid in a beautiful crib in a royal palace but in a feeding trough for animals; the announcement of his birth was not made to kings and world leaders but to poor shepherds on a dark hill side in the middle of the night.
Almighty God sent His son into the world to offer love and compassion to ordinary, everyday people in ordinary, everyday places.
Christmas means something different to all of us. For many, it brings joyful memories and celebrations, whereas for others, it may bring back sad memories. Some may choose not to celebrate Christmas at all.
What brings you joy and happiness at Christmas?
Take inspiration from others who have shown compassion and kindness to those who may not be as fortunate at Christmas time:
