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Divine Dispatch
Zechariah 7:9-10
True Religion: Showing Mercy and Compassion to All
Welcome, Faith Force Compassion Warriors! Today, we’re learning about what God really wants from us: hearts full of mercy and compassion, as taught in Zechariah 7:9-10.
Verse Of The Day:
"This is what the LORD Almighty said: 'Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.'" (Zechariah 7:9-10)
Have you ever wondered what makes God happiest about how we live? Is it when we go to church? When we sing worship songs? Those things are good, but Zechariah 7:9-10 shows us what really matters to God—how we treat other people!
When the prophet Zechariah shared these words, God’s people were asking questions about religious rituals. But God wanted them to know that true religion isn’t just about ceremonies—it’s about how we treat others with fairness, kindness, and compassion.
First, God calls us to “administer true justice,” which means being fair in all our dealings. Then, He tells us to “show mercy and compassion,” which means being kind and understanding, especially when others are hurting.
God specifically mentions four groups of people we should never mistreat: widows (people who have lost their spouses), the fatherless (children without parents), foreigners (people from different places), and the poor. These were often the most vulnerable people in society, and God wanted His people to take special care of them.
Finally, God says “do not plot evil against each other.” This means we shouldn’t plan ways to hurt others or get even when someone upsets us.
When we show justice, mercy, and compassion to everyone around us, we’re living the way God really wants us to live!
"Compassion Cards" Kindness Project:
Create several colorful cards with kind messages or offers to help. Write “Showing God’s Compassion” at the top of each card. Inside, write specific ways to help others, like “I can carry your groceries,” “I can be your friend,” or “I can share my toys.” Decorate the cards and then give them to people who might need extra kindness or help. Keep track of how your compassion makes others smile!
Time For A Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for teaching us what truly matters to You. Help us to show justice, mercy, and compassion to everyone we meet. Open our eyes to see people who need extra kindness, especially those who might be lonely or struggling. Keep us from being mean to others or thinking of ways to get even. Help us to be Your hands and feet, showing Your love through our actions. Amen.
Show compassion every day, Faith Force Compassion Warriors! Until our next Divine Dispatch, remember that God calls us to treat everyone with justice, mercy, and kindness. Let’s make God smile by the way we care for others!