Sunday, May 3, 2026

Being chosen by God isn’t something that ends with us. When we acknowledge that we were chosen for love, it marks the beginning of a new way of living that is shaped by both receiving and reflecting his love - because his love was never meant to be personal or kept private. It is given to us freely, and if we allow it to, it can overflow into how we see others, respond to injustice, and show up for the unseen or unheard.

Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

These verses are a direct call to action: Step in when you encounter silence and suffering. Advocate for the vulnerable, and use your voice and resources to create practical change. Act courageously and compassionately.

Living this out begins when we let God shape how we see others. It's easy to keep distance, scroll past need, or assume someone else will act. But God calls us to come close enough to care, and to care enough to act.

In this way, justice and compassion are not separate from our faith; they are expressions of it.

Even as we live out this calling, we do not do it from our own strength. We return to Jesus, who first came close to us in our brokenness. He is our source of compassion and the reason we move toward others without fear.

As you look ahead, commit to specific action - reach out to the quiet, advocate for the vulnerable, and offer tangible help where you see need. Let your response be both practical and compassionate.

Discussion Questions:

Ice Breaker: How has someone shown up for you in a way that you still remember?

What might it look like for you to notice and care for people you don’t usually see?

Read Luke 10:25-37: How does Jesus redefine what it means to love others in this story?

Who might be a “neighbor” in your life that you’ve unintentionally overlooked?

Reflect and Respond: What might change if you viewed your time, resources, or compassion as a blessing meant to flow outward?

Prayer:
Jesus, you come close to us in our brokenness. Give me eyes to truly see people, not from a distance, but with compassion that moves me toward them. Help me affirm dignity, bring hope, and walk with others toward restoration. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Ephesians 1:5
God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.

This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek.