5-MINUTE BIBLE STUDIES

For Compassion vs Indifference

Investing what ever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

COMPASSION- A Five Minute Study

Faith Committee, Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
Contributed by Craig E. Beckley
Bible Teacher, Moores Hill, Indiana
September 19, 2003
COMPASSION vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
2 Samuel 4:4
And Jonathan, Sauls son, had a son that was lame in his feetAnd his name was Mephibosheth.
King David had ascended to the throne of Israel after the death of Saul, and Jonathan his son. David and Jonathan had been
very close but had parted ways, as Saul became more intense in his efforts to kill David. As a new King in a land that was
still involved in warfare, David had his hands full with the affairs of state.
2 Samuel 9:6-7
Now when Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, was come to David, he fell on his face and did reverence
And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy fathers sake, and will restore thee
all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
Because of the relationship that David had with Jonathan, he took the time to inquire if there were any of Jonathans
household that were still alive. He heard that Mephibosheth was still alive, and David sent for him. David took the first step
towards Mephibosheth, who was living in poverty and fearing for his life, as a living descendant of Saul. Mephibosheth had
been crippled at a young age.
David showed him compassion and said that he would take care of him because of his father, Jonathan. He then restored to
him the lands that had belonged to his grandfather Saul and promised to watch over his welfare for the rest of his life.
Romans 9:15-16

For he saith to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have
compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
We, as Christians, are called kings and priests unto God. We are more than conquerors through Christ. The Lord has
given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness and has promised to provide for us.
As David had compassion on Mephibosheth, isnt it about time that we begin to have compassion on those that have been
crippled by sin and living without God in this world? Shouldnt we take the first step, as David did, and looking for those
whom God is calling into his kingdom, in order to have compassion on them, so that they can be restored into relationship
with God? And as David watched over Mephibosheth, shouldnt we be watching over the spiritual growth and welfare of
those that we lead into that relationship?
The enemy has taken them captive just as much as Mephibosheths handicap had captured his ability to live a normal life.
But because of Davids love of Jonathan, David took the time to restore Mephibosheth. Is your love for Jesus enough to
motivate you to seek out those who are lost, and captured by the enemy, and restore them to the life that God wants for
them?
This is the compassion that Jesus had for the lost sheep that had gone astray. May we, like Jesus, show that same compassion
to those that God brings our way.
Here are five I will principles to practice in order to incorporate the character trait of compassion into your life (write these
on a poster, board, or overhead transparency).
1. I will stop to help.
2. I will listen when others want to talk.
3. I will give of my resources to help those in need.
4. I will look for lasting solutions.
5. I will comfort others without regard to race, gender, faith, age or nationality.
Closing #1: Lets dialog about it with one another.

Shift the group into small discussion groups of 3-4.

Encourage groups to list the hindrances in their own lives to practicing compassion in their families and with
acquaintances.

Ask groups to share their feelings with the whole group.

Closing #2: Lets close in silent prayer to God:

To forgive you for things in your life that cause you to focus on yourself instead of the needs that are around

you.

To show you how to practice compassion in your life.

To make you aware of opportunities to grow in this character trait.

This material is published by the Faith Committee of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Reproduction
and Adaptation is encouraged.

Mephibosheth
Sitting at the King's Table
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is
seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you
died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1-3
Mephibosheth is a difficult but fun-to-pronounce biblical name. When you read his story, you won't be
concerned about pronouncing his nameyou won't forget him. His name means he scatters shame. His
father was Jonathan and his grandfather King Saul. When Mephibosheths nurse heard the news of Saul
and Jonathan's death, she picked the five-year-old up and fled, fearing for his life. However, as she
hurried to leave, he fell and became crippled(2 Samuel 4:4).
When David became King after Saul's death, he acted on his promise to Jonathan and Saul that he would
not destroy their descendants when the dynasty changed (1 Sam. 20:1417). David sought out this
descendant who had probably escaped death because the nurse had hidden him or because he was a
handicapped child.
Even though Mephibosheth considered himself a dead dog, David had compassion on him and
confirmed him as the rightful owner of Saul's lands (2 Samuel 9: 1-13). Moreover, David conferred on him
the position reserved for his own sons. Mephibosheth would eat at David's table. Whether Mephibosheth
actually ate at David's table or his own at home, Mephibosheth occupied the position of eating at the
king's table. He was officially adopted into David's family.
Mephibosheth's life symbolizes our position in Christ. When we were spiritually dead, Christ our King
conferred his grace on us and saved us. Paul tells us in Colossians 3 that though we continue to
physically live on earth, our life is spiritually hidden in Christ. Adopted into the royal family, we enjoy all the
benefits as heirs of the King. Though we cannot see all these benefits now, someday we will be reunited
with Him and when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is (1 John 3:2).

DIG DEEPER:

Read the story of Mephibosheth and Ziba in 2 Samuel 16:1-4 and 19:24-30. Contrast the two
mens loyalty to David.

Read 1 John 1:1-2. What are Christians called? Why is that significant?

Read Ephesians 1:3-10. What are some of the spiritual blessings lavished on us in Christ? When
will the complete fulfillment of these blessings be realized?