05.16.07
Week Thirteen
1. Read Chapter 13, “A Helping Hand”. What is something that stood out to you from this chapter?
2. Read Prov 3:27 and make a list of the good things that you could do – things that you can do, but might choose not to do.
3. Choose one of the following women and briefly describe her gift of mercy:
- Abigail (1 Sam 25)
- The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17)
- The Shunamite woman (2 Kings 4)
- Dorcas (Acts 9)
4. Based on the example of the women above and on the following verses, how would you define mercy? How would you recognize mercy? What does it look like? What would it look like in your life?
- Duet. 15:7,8 – Micah 6:8 – Prov 11:25, 19:17, 22:9
Tanya said,
May 24, 2007 at 3:17 am
1. Read Chapter 13, “A Helping Hand”. What is something that stood out to you from this chapter?
Studying through the examples and the Scriptures given, I see how I can grow a lot in being QUICK to give. I also see how I need to be more aware of needs – to know what is really needed and to pray for wisdom so that I can give in such a way that the need is sufficiently met. Not that it is met on the surface but that what is needed to be given is what I give. So that I can be SUFFICIENT in my giving, too. It’s hard, in some ways, to know how to put feet to this as I cannot think of a lot of people in my life who have obvious physical needs (perhaps this means I simply need to think harder and pay more attention), but I know that everyone can benefit from a wise, kind word spoken. I can give encouragement to those around me.
2. Read Prov 3:27 and make a list of the good things that you could do – things that you can do, but might choose not to do.
Providing a meal for someone who could use the break, speaking a kind word to a coworker, being willing to pitch in and help my husband when he needs it with our remodeling, making the effort to get in touch with someone who hasn’t made the effort in return
3. Choose one of the following women and briefly describe her gift of mercy:
- Abigail (1 Sam 25)
Abigail, once aware of the situation, acted immediately. She didn’t sit around to brood over what she might be able to do or not do or give or not give. She must have been on top of running her household to know how much they could afford to give. She also must have understood the need to know how much food to bring with her. Her quickness and generous spirit, even in light of her husband’s harshness, saved the lives of many men.
- The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17)
- The Shunamite woman (2 Kings 4)
- Dorcas (Acts 9)
4. Based on the example of the women above and on the following verses, how would you define mercy? How would you recognize mercy? What does it look like? What would it look like in your life?
- Duet. 15:7,8 – Micah 6:8 – Prov 11:25, 19:17, 22:9
Mercy seems to look like a constantly extended hand to offer help to anyone in need, in any way possible. It means watching and knowing where the needs are and then working to provide for them, with wisdom. It’s opening my hand WIDE to give SUFFICIENT help, whatever that person needs. So, it appears to require sacrifice. I will do whatever I can to meet that other person’s need.
Charissa said,
May 26, 2007 at 10:18 am
Hi, I like what you said, Tanya, about being quick to give. It’s so easy for me to not notice others needs. Also, it’s so great to be able to read about examples of people ( like abigail) who exhibit good character!
Welcome back Vanessa! It was good to hear from you in the last entry
I’m sorry I haven’t responded to this lesson, but it’s been a crazy week, and I don’t think I will have time, so I will plan on doing the next one!