The Catalyst of Compassion (Week 2)

Preacher: Daniel Erasmus

Worship:
Begin your Life Group by listening to “Do It Again” by Elevation Worship.

This song reminds us that God is faithful to move—and that what He has done before, He will do again.

As you listen, ask God to stir your heart with compassion and to believe that even your small acts can become miracles in His hands.

Check-in:
Sunday’s message was practical and deeply personal. What part of the sermon challenged or encouraged you most? Did it shift how you see the people around you?

Synopsis of message:
This week we continued our Kingdom in Motion series with a message titled “The Catalyst of Compassion.”

We were reminded that the church—not just a building, but us—is God’s chosen way to bring hope to the world. Jesus said in Matthew 9: “The harvest is great but the workers are few.” The problem isn’t that people are too far gone—the problem is often that there aren’t enough of us willing to be sent.

So how do we become workers in God’s harvest field? It starts with compassion.

When Jesus saw people, He was moved with compassion (Matthew 9, Mark 6). Compassion is what turned His love into action. It was what fuelled His ministry. In fact, compassion is the difference between seeing and serving.

We often want to help but feel we don’t have enough—time, energy, resources. But God doesn’t ask for what we don’t have. He simply invites us to offer what we do have—and trust Him with the rest.
Daniel shared three practical ways to grow a heart of compassion:

1. Practice being in God’s presence – Compassion flows from connection with Jesus. When we spend time with Him, our hearts soften and begin to reflect His.
2. Practice noticing people – In a world that rushes by, we must learn to slow down and truly see others. Create space and reminders to notice those around you.
3. Practice trusting God with the little – God can do miracles with five loaves and two fish. Your “little” is not too little when placed in His hands.

Discussion Questions:

1. Compassion that Moves Us: Jesus didn’t just see the crowds—He was moved with compassion.
   • Why do you think compassion is the catalyst to putting our faith in motion?
   • Can you recall a time when compassion led you to act in a way that stretched or surprised you?
2. Noticing Others: Daniel challenged us to slow down and practice noticing people.
   • What usually keeps you from noticing those around you?
   • What small changes could you make this week to create space for compassion?
3. Trusting God with the Little: The disciples almost missed a miracle because they thought what they had wasn’t enough.
   • Have you ever felt like what you had wasn’t enough to make a difference?
   • What “little” do you have that God might want to use this week to show compassion?
4. Living It Out: Of the three ways to grow in compassion—God’s presence, noticing others, trusting God—
   • Which one do you feel most challenged to grow in this week? Why?
   • Would you be willing to share next week how it went?
   • Consider using one of the Random Acts of Compassion cards (or create your own moment)—how could your group encourage each other in this?

Check-out:
What is one intentional step you can take this week to develop a heart of compassion?
Close your time together by praying for open eyes, open hearts, and the courage to act when compassion stirs.

Additional Resources:

• Read: Matthew 9:35–38, Mark 6:30–44, and Colossians 3:12
• 7-Day Challenge: 5 minutes in the Word, 5 minutes in prayer, 5 minutes in worship each day