Sermon and Worship Resources

Synonyms: touch, feel, sense of touch, tactile sense, tactility, contact, using one's hands, sensation, sense, suspicion, sneaking suspicion, notion, inkling, hunch, fancy, apprehension, presentiment, premonition, foreboding, love, care, affection, fondness, tenderness, warmth, warmness, emotion, sentiment, emotional state, compassion, sympathy, empathy, fellow feeling, understanding, concern, solicitude, solicitousness, tender-heartedness, brotherly love, sensibilities, sensitivities, self-esteem, ego, pride, opinion, belief, view, impression, intuition, instinct, estimation, guess, theory, hypothesis, thought, way of thinking, point of view, atmosphere, ambience, aura, air, mood, climate, character, overtone, undertone, tenor, spirit, quality, flavour, colour, aptitude, knack, flair, bent, talent, gift, skill, art, trick, faculty, ability, propensity, inclination, sensitive, warm, warm-hearted, tender, tender-hearted, caring, soft-hearted, sympathetic, compassionate, empathetic, responsive, receptive, intuitive, thoughtful

Antonyms: bad feeling, acrimony, animosity, animus, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, bitterness, detestation, disgust, dislike, disrelish, enmity, friction, grievances, grudges, hatred, hostility, loathing, malevolence, malice

Showing 2276 to 2300 of 2653 results

2276. Without Christmas, Life Would Be Impossible

Luke 2:1-14

Sermon

Maxie Dunnam

... prayer—life is not going to be what God would have it to be and what in our heart of hearts we want it to be. II. There is a second thing that gets us through life—not just prayer, a talking relationship with God—but love and compassion as the dynamic force that keeps us going. A song for this Advent season: “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine; love was born at Christmas—star and angel gave the sign.” We know that love was born at Christmas—the question is has love ...

2277. The Flood

Genesis 6:1-8:22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... 16 provide general information. Noah is to bring aboard pairs of animals. In 7:2, specific information is given about how many pairs—seven. It is not surprising that God desires salvation of the clean animals. But why spare the unclean animals? Does God’s compassion extend to them too? Noah is given a week’s warning before the flood begins. The Hebrew word for “rain” in verse 4 is different than the word for “rain” in verse 12. That used in verse 12 designates a heavy downpour. Thus the rain ...

2278. Friction Inside and Outside the Family

Genesis 21:1-7, Genesis 21:8-21, Genesis 21:22-34

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... A closer reading of chapter 21, however, shows that Ishmael is anything but an infant (as Ishmael’s mocking of Sarah and Isaac suggests, 21:9). Chapter 21 is not a second account of the same incident in chapter 16, but a sequel to it. Sarah does not feel much compassion for this banished mother and son. But God does. Note again, as in an earlier chapter, the intermingling in verse 17 of God and angel of God. God opens his heart, and he opens Hagar’s eyes to a well of water. The problem in 21:22–34 is ...

2279. Social Responsibility

Exodus 22:16-31

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... that are abominations. The serious nature of these infractions is evident in that the punishment involves the practice of herem, giving over to destruction those who have deliberately rejected the Lord (22:20). Four groups are repeatedly the objects of God’s deep compassion—widows, orphans, aliens, and the poor (22:21–24). Just as God has heard the cry of the Israelites when they were in Egypt, so he promises to hear and respond with justice to the cry of disenfranchised persons. If Israelites treat ...

2280. Restating the Covenant

Exodus 34:1-28

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

34:1-7 · In a stunning display of grace, God descends in the cloud of glory, stands with Moses, and proclaims his covenant name, Yahweh, and his covenant character of compassion, mercy, patience, unfailing covenant love, forgiveness, and justice (34:5–7). Forgiveness has been the focus of Moses’s persistent entreaty; this declaration of God emboldens Moses to ask once more that Israel be forgiven and accepted as God’s inheritance (34:8–9). God’s justice means he will ...

2281. Extolling the Excellencies of God’s Word

Deuteronomy 13:1-18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... “troublemakers” (Hebrew “sons of Belial” = “worthless, good-for-nothing dudes”) must be “put under the ban” (Hebrew haram; cf. 4:24). Likewise, believers are called to act just as decisively in 2 John 7–11. But if there is obedience to God’s commands, then he will show mercy and compassion (13:17).

2282. Jephthah

Jud 10:6–11:40

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... relation to Samson being wearied to death by Delilah’s constant nagging and prodding. Thus, what 10:16 seems to suggest is that the Lord’s eventual action for his people comes not so much out of his acceptance of their repentance but out of compassion regarding their misery or even a sense of weariness from their constant pleading. But instead of waiting for the Lord to raise up a deliverer for them, Israel’s leaders decide to find a deliverer for themselves when the Ammonites are called to arms (10 ...

2283. David’s Success

2 Samuel 9:1-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... one. 9:1–13 ·Early in his career David is known as a wise and fair leader (1 Sam. 30:24–25), and when he becomes king he continues to handle problems with great skill. His kindness to Jonathan’s son Mephibosheth demonstrates his genuine compassion for others. As a military leader, David has known only victory in battle ever since his triumph over Goliath, and the Ammonites and Arameans learn about his military prowess the hard way. In light of the covenant God has made with David promising to show ...

2284. The Final Royal Accounts, Exile, and Restoration

2 Chronicles 36:2-23

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of both Zedekiah and his people from Yahweh by following the detestable practices (same word used of Ahaz, Manasseh, and Jehoiakim in 2 Chron. 28:3; 33:2; 34:33; 36:8). The prophetic voice again breaks in as God’s last act of compassion to avoid discipline, but to no avail. The city falls to Nebuchadnezzar, who kills the people; despoils the royal and temple treasures; destroys the temple, wall, and palaces; and exiles the survivors. In 36:21 the Chronicler notes how the exile provides an opportunity ...

2285. Job's Second Test

Job 2:1-10

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... undermines your claims of piety! Curse [Hebrew root brk] God, and then you will die!” Her motivation is also unclear. Her words could be callous indifference (as they are widely understood to be)—just die! Or she could be offering loving compassion—death would have to be a better condition for him than the present misery. The Septuagint expands the wife’s presence, giving her more to say. Her words there remind the reader of cultural realities. She herself has grievously suffered. Her children ...

2286. Psalm 17

Psalm 17:1-15

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... [fully] satisfy [me] with your likeness”). David portrays his enemies as violent, hard-hearted, arrogant people who, like wild animals, steal what they can and circle ever closer to him, determined to devour him mercilessly (17:4, 9–12). While pleading for help, David expresses gratitude for God’s unyielding compassion toward those whom he loves (17:14–15).

2287. Psalm 39

Psalm 39:1-13

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... seems all too short and the misery of life all too real. Running from the world or from God may seem like the best way to deal with problems but in reality is not. Rediscovering the joy of life requires a relationship with God—having him both close (in his compassion) and far away (in his discipline).

2288. Psalm 68

Psalm 68:1-35

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... for the helpless (68:5–14), delivers his people (68:15–23), and returns to receive justly deserved praise (68:24–35). When God enters into battle, the wicked crumble (68:2); the righteous rejoice and praise God (68:3–4). In victory, God’s compassion reaches to those whom society often forgets: the orphans, the widows, the lonely, the poor, and the women who remain at home during the battle (68:5–14). By contrast, God covers the ground with his enemies like fallen snow (68:14). The defeated ...

2289. Psalm 112

Psalm 112:1-10

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... their possessions with the needy, treat all people fairly, and serve God faithfully (112:5–7, 9). God blesses them and their descendants abundantly (112:2–3). Interestingly, those who fear God and delight in his word (112:1) display godlike attributes of grace and compassion (111:4; 112:4). Like God, they provide for the needy (111:5; 112:5, 9); their righteousness, like God’s, continues forever (111:3; 112:3, 9). In verse 10, the psalmist abruptly shifts to the reaction of those who have no interest ...

2290. Psalm 118

Psalm 118:1-29

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... of showing gratitude to God because of his nature and love. Verse 29 and 107:1 form an inclusio around Psalms 107–18, grouping these psalms together as praise psalms. The author uses repetition within sequential verses to emphasize God’s compassion (118:1–4); God’s presence, which gives confidence (118:6–7); God’s protective care, which surpasses that of human powers (118:8–9); and God’s empowerment, which gives victory against overwhelming forces (118:10–12). Verses 13–18 show ...

2291. Warnings Against Folly

Proverbs 6:1-19

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... deal with a neighbor or a stranger, one has in effect been trapped by one’s words. Since such a transaction is not regulated by Mosaic legislation, there is only one thing to say: “Free yourself” (6:3, 5) immediately, no matter what it takes. Compassion for a financially strapped friend is not the issue here; intentionally jeopardizing one’s economic well-being is an action to be avoided at any cost. The next section (6:6–11), regarding laziness, is linked to the preceding unit in three ways. Both ...

2292. Judgment and Comfort: Part One

Isaiah 1:1-31

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... they are corrupt. They cannot merit God’s grace by their “pious” activities. Their “hands are full of blood” (1:15), because they have disregarded the rights of the needy. It is impossible to pray for relief from the enemy as long as no compassion is shown to the oppressed. The proper response, then, to the grace of Yahweh is obedient faith (1:18–20). Obedient faith entails the willingness to remove and cleanse oneself from the evil of one’s generation, to love one’s neighbor, and to ...

2293. The Glory of Zion

Isaiah 60:1-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... nations will be used to “honor . . . the Lord . . . the Holy One of Israel.” Riches, herds, flocks, and ships of Tarshish will all be submitted to God. The tribute and labor of the nations will be used to rebuild Zion as an expression of God’s compassion and justice (60:10–14). The enemies and oppressors of Zion will receive their just deserts. The walls and gates symbolizing God’s kingdom are not for protection; the gates will always be open (60:11). The Lord will share the spoils of his victory ...

2294. Jeremiah's Complaint

Jeremiah 12:1-4, Jeremiah 12:5-17

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... elaborated elsewhere (Isa. 10:5–7). One does not harm God’s possession, his people, without receiving harm in turn. But later on God will restore Moab and Ammon (Jer. 48:47; 49:6). He will bless Egypt (Isa. 19:24). The agenda of justice has become the agenda of compassion. God’s missionary purpose must not go unnoticed (Isa. 2:1–4; 19:16–25).

2295. Much Bad News, Some Good

Jeremiah 16:1--17:18

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... existing families will disappear. Gruesome death will come to children from terrible diseases, the enemy’s sword, and famine. Second, Jeremiah must not attend funerals or extend comfort. The reason: God has withdrawn his covenant blessings of peace, covenant love, compassion, and favor. So must the prophet withdraw his involvement. Cutting oneself to show grief, though forbidden (Lev. 19:28; Deut. 14:1), was apparently practiced (Jer. 16:6). Third, Jeremiah is to avoid weddings and all parties as a way ...

2296. Addressing Rulers and Governments

Jeremiah 21:1-14, Jeremiah 22:1-30

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... sometimes misuse of power. In more than half the occurrences, the context also specifies poverty. Jehoiakim’s insensitivity to the urgency of the times is in contrast with Josiah’s overriding concern to do what was right and just. Concretely this meant acts of compassion and caring for the poor. Knowing (i.e., experiencing) God consists of such caregiving (cf. Jer. 9:23). People will not hold Jehoiakim, who wants so much to be a “somebody,” in regard, nor will they express loss at his death or care ...

2297. The Cup of God's Wrath

Jeremiah 25:15-38

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... gag on this “wine.” God’s people in Judah are the first to drink. The scene of destruction and the resulting aspersions cast on Judah are presumably repeated for the other nations mentioned. The roster of nations—nations from every point on the compass—begins with Egypt in the south and ends with Babylon to the east. These two were the superpowers of that century. “Foreign people” in Egypt and in Arabia (25:20, 24) designate smaller, usually adjacent kingdoms and allies. Uz bordered the desert ...

2298. Restoration of Isarel

Jeremiah 30:1--31:40

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... turning to (or away from) God and (re)turning to the land. Israel’s repentance is like that earlier prescribed. “Beating the breast” (literally “thighs”) was a gesture of great feeling, especially of remorse. God’s response is motherlike. The word for “compassion” (31:20) is a derivative from the term for “womb.” God reprimands and rebukes Israel for her sins. Still, the two, God and Ephraim, have found each other and have been reconciled. Verses 21–22 round off a promise introduced in ...

2299. An Angry God and an Awful Tragedy

Lamentations 2:1-22

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... apt in view of night watches maintained on the walls. In verses 20–22 the people offer prayer, or the poet prays on their behalf. The appeal to the Lord is made on the basis of lack of precedent (whom have you ever treated like this?) and compassion. A report of starved women resorting to cannibalism is found in 2 Kings 6:25–29. The statement may be literal, of course, but since covenant curses projected such a situation (Deut. 28:53), reference to it could be a way of saying, “The worst has happened ...

2300. Restoration and Regeneration

Ezekiel 36:1-38

One Volume

Gary M. Burge

... priests. In exiling his people and in restoring them, God does what he does for the sake of his holy name (36:21–22). It is not primarily the people’s behavior, good or bad, that determines God’s action, be it in judgment or in compassion. The point Ezekiel is making here is that whatever future Israel has comes from God. Neither the people’s repentance nor their facile claims on God’s mercy can regain the land. God’s own character and sovereign purposes will be the determining factor. God must ...

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