As we continue in the sermon series “Walking with Jesus,” help your children learn more about the characteristics of our Savior.  He was sent to us as an example of how to live our lives as Godly people.  He showed compassion in many situations, but one stands out in my mind.  In John 11, we see Jesus weep over the loss of a friend, though he knew that he could and would bring him back to life.  I heard Pastor David speak about this a few weeks ago, and it reminded me that even the all-knowing, all-powerful Jesus feels our pain.  He has compassion.  This is a great concept to teach children because it does not always come naturally to them. Take time this week to teach what it means to be compassionate, and then continue to point it out over the next several weeks to remind them what it looks like in action.
 
Ask:  What is compassion?  (Compassion is feeling badly when others hurt and wanting to help them.)
 
Modeling compassion is the best way to teach it.
 
Look through the newspaper or brainstorm names of people you know who need compassion (an elderly neighbor, a church member who can no longer attend services, someone recovering from an illness, a friend going through a difficult time, etc).
 
Read or discuss each situation aloud and plan a way to help them this week.   Let the kids make a card. Take a meal or some fruit, bake some cookies and go visit.  Don't forget to share a Bible verse and say a prayer with the family if appropriate.  Continue to pray for these families throughout the week and beyond.
 
Help your children put words to their feelings.  When you see them looking like they are concerned for another, talk with them about it and help them recognize their own compassion in action!