Going Deeper in “Running On Empty”
Read the following slowly a few times:
Matthew 14:13–21; Gal 6:2; James 2:14–17; 2 Co 1:3–4; Micah 6:8
Reflect on the following:
1. Jesus made time to grieve after John's death. How do you typically respond when you experience loss, disappointment, or heartache?
2. Why do you think Jesus chose compassion instead of sending the crowd away, even while He was grieving?
3. When has someone shown you compassion during one of the hardest seasons of your life? What impact did it have?
4. Is there a difference between feeling sorry for someone and having genuine compassion? How would you describe that difference?
5. The disciples saw a problem they couldn't solve. What impossible situation are you facing today that feels overwhelming?
6. What are the "five loaves and two fish" God has already placed in your hands—your time, abilities, resources, experiences, or relationships?
7. What keeps you from helping others? Is it fear, busyness, feeling inadequate, or something else?
8. How have you seen God use a small act of kindness to make a much bigger difference than you expected?
9. Who in your family, workplace, neighborhood, or church could use a phone call, visit, meal, prayer, or word of encouragement this week?
10. In what area of your life is Jesus inviting you to stop focusing on what you lack and start trusting Him with what you already have?
This Week's Challenges:
Practice these three simple steps this week:
1. Grieve. Don't ignore your pain. Bring it honestly to God in prayer.
2. Notice. Ask God to help you see one person who needs compassion.
3. Act. Do one practical thing to help. Don't worry about solving every problem. Simply offer what you have, trusting God to use your small act of love in a big way.