ELISHA, A COMPASSIONATE MAN
memory verse for this unit
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10, NIV*).
objectives of this unit
This unit will help the children:• Recognize that God can have compassion on those who are needy through the people who are willing to serve• Understand the need to show compassion to others who believe in Christ• Learn that it is also necessary to show compassion to those who have been placed in a place of power• Understand the necessity of showing compassion to others, including those who want to hurt us.
the reason we teach this unit
Through the lessons of this unit, our children will learn that God worked through his followers to show compassion to everyone who needed it, no matter their social class, belief, nationality or gender. Our children may notice that hardly anyone shows compassion to others. It is for this reason that children show indifference to respecting others. The prophet Elisha is a good role model for kids, because God used him to do acts of mercy and compassion. That’s why sometimes they call him the “compassionate prophet.” He spent time with people of all types and always treated them kindly and compassionately, just like the widow and the military commander. While our children study the compassionate acts of Elisha towards the needy, they can learn that God hopes that they too will demonstrate kindness and compassion to others. Through this lesson, they will learn and practice new ways of being kind to others. However, we should emphasize the differences between acts of compassion that Christians do, and acts that others do for recognition. Christians do not respond merely out of pity, but because they feel sincere love towards others. Their compassion shows love to God as well as God’s love towards them. By doing acts of kindness and mercy, Christians help others discover the love of God.
We challenge every disciple, faithfully living and loving like Jesus, to be engaged in nurturing genuine relationship with others. Through a disciple's prayerful and compassionate actions, God is reaching out and preparing hearts to receive salvation. As we pray, God inspires us to be actively engaged in the world. Through prayer, we participate in the Holy Spirit's transforming power, both for ourselves and for our neighbors. The Holy Spirit helps us build bridges of love and friendship.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™