Day 6 : December 23

Title: Compassion Causes Light to Rise

Scripture: Isaiah 58:9 

Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’

“If you take away the yoke from your midst,

The pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

 

EGW Quote:

Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1151

All around us are afflicted souls. Let us search out these suffering ones, and speak a word in season to comfort their hearts. Here and there —everywhere— we shall find them. Let us ever be channels through which may flow to them the refreshing waters of compassion. To those who minister to the necessities of the hungry and afflicted, the promise is, “Then shall thy light rise in obscurity.” 

 

Many are in obscurity. They have lost their bearings. They know not what course to pursue. Let the perplexed ones search out others who are in perplexity, and speak to them words of hope and encouragement. When they begin to do this work, the light of heaven will reveal to them the path that they should follow. By their words of consolation to the afflicted they themselves will be consoled. By helping others, they themselves will be helped out of their difficulties. Joy takes the place of sadness and gloom. The heart, filled with the Spirit of God, glows with warmth toward every fellow being. Every such an one is no longer in darkness; for his “darkness” is “as the noon day” (Manuscript 116, 1902, par. 13) 

 

Heart Challenge and Discussion Questions:

As human beings we naturally believe in our own opinions and worldview before considering outside information. Pride can lead us to being unable to see and hear relevant information which has the potential to change us. But when we surrender our lives to Jesus, the Spirit will lead us to question our personal ideas, opinions, and beliefs by shining upon them the light of God’s truth as revealed in His word. One major key to spiritual growth is to let this light truly shine on us and guide our way by spending regular quality time reading, studying, and praying God’s Word – the Bible.

 

We are invited to not only be filled with the Holy Spirit for our personal sanctification, but to actively participate in shining the truth, love, and righteousness of Jesus to a world whose time is running out.

 

  1. What are we called to do to the afflicted and suffering ones around us? 
  2. What kind of words should we speak to those who are afflicted and perplexed? 
  3. Have you been afflicted and pérplexed? Has anyone  comforted or encouraged you? If so, please share how that made a difference for you and how that impacted your life. 
  4. Have you experienced being available to those who are suffering and afflicted? If so, please share your experience. 
  5. From the Scripture, what are the things that the Lord asks us to stop doing? Do you think this is easy? How can we stop doing these things? 
  6. What hinders us from being unable to see and hear relevant information that could change us or change others around us? What are the actions you need to take in order to get rid of it? 

 

Think about your family, your friends, your neighbors, and your co-workers. Ask God to show you who needs the light of Jesus in their life. Who should you pray for and contact this week?

 

Prayer Requests:

  • Pray for the 7 names on your list.
  • Pray for God to help you see the needs of the people you are praying for and for wisdom in how to help them.
  • Pray for the protection of our young people from ever-increasing worldly influences by focusing on the Word of God and service to others.
  • Pray for health, strength, and inspiration for youth ministry leaders, educators, teachers, and others working to inspire and encourage our youth. 
  • Pray for more innovative and far-reaching methods of outreach to be developed during this time of crisis that will help powerfully announce that Jesus is coming soon.