Discussion | Compassion Over Judgement
Jon: You are listening to the discussion episode for the story, choose compassion over judgement.
Bradon: Jesus meets a Samaritan woman who her people and the Jews have marginalized. Jesus spoke with her and chose compassion over judgement. He told her all kinds of things, even some things that only her closest friends would have known, and then revealed to her that he is the Messiah. The whole town came out to meet Jesus, and they too believed in Jesus. The disciples watched all of this unfold and saw just how wrong they viewed others, and learned the value of choosing compassion over judgement.
Story Episode
John 4:1-42
Lesson
Jesus chose Compassion over Judgement
Questions
- Jon: Tell each other about groups who have been discriminated against or marginalized. Notice how you feel during this conversation.
- Bradon: Recently, a mass grave of first nations children was discovered in British Columbia. This is so incredibly tragic, and both Jon and I are deeply saddened about this. Acknowledging to others that you see them, you hear them, that they matter to you is an essential first step. With some of the stories you already heard, what is next? Acknowledgement is necessary but it’s only the start. What is your next step? You are now a part of the story; how can you demonstrate compassion?
- Jon: How do you feel about this next step? Is it more likely that your feelings will push you to action or cause you to do little or nothing?
Growth Tip
Jon: For our growth tip today, we want you to begin conversations. It doesn’t matter who. The person can be family, a friend, or someone you just met. We want you to get good at listening.
Bradon: Listen without judgement or agenda, ask them questions and begin to learn their story. Listen without judgement, without agenda. With your listening, show compassion.
Jon: That’s right, show this person that you are interested in them by asking questions. One of my favourite questions is, “then what?” Or some variation of that. It just lets them keep telling the story and take it wherever they want.
Bradon: So on your next day at school, work, or wherever life takes you, begin to ask questions and learn people’s stories. No judgement – just compassion.
Prayer Requests
At the end of your discussion, go around the group and ask for prayer requests.
