Bridges of Mercy:
Becoming a Bridge Builder
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Start Talking: Find a conversation starter for your group or use one of these.
What makes you laugh?
How have you seen God moving in your life this past week?
How have you seen God moving in your life this past week?
Key Scriptures
Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. God has done all this. He has restored our relationship with him through Christ, and has given us this ministry of restoring relationships.
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 GW
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP
2 Corinthians 5:17-18 GW
Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.
Ephesians 5:1-2 AMP
Start thinking and sharing.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18.
1. “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation.”
• What does that mean to you personally?
•How have you experienced this newness in your life—your thoughts, habits, priorities, or relationships?
2. Have you seen any fruit or transformation since becoming a new creation?
•Think of specific ways God has changed your heart or your perspective.
• Are there moments you can look back on and say, “That was the old me—this is the new me”?
• What do you think makes our love sacrificial or pleasing to God?
3. Verse 18 says God has given us “the ministry of restoring relationships.”
• What does it mean to you that you are empowered to help others come into relationship with God?
• Does this feel exciting, intimidating, or both? Why?
• How might your personal story be part of how God wants to each others?
Read Ephesians 5:1-2.
1. What does it really mean to imitate God and walk continually in love?
• What does this look like in daily life—in our speech, our reactions, our relationships?
• How does Jesus model this kind of love?
2. Paul describes this way of living as being like a “sweet fragrance.”
• What does that image suggest to you?
• Why do you think Paul uses sensory imagery like smell?
• How might our lives give off a “fragrance” to those around us— either attractive or off-putting?
• What do you think makes our love sacrificial or pleasing to God?
1. “Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation.”
• What does that mean to you personally?
•How have you experienced this newness in your life—your thoughts, habits, priorities, or relationships?
2. Have you seen any fruit or transformation since becoming a new creation?
•Think of specific ways God has changed your heart or your perspective.
• Are there moments you can look back on and say, “That was the old me—this is the new me”?
• What do you think makes our love sacrificial or pleasing to God?
3. Verse 18 says God has given us “the ministry of restoring relationships.”
• What does it mean to you that you are empowered to help others come into relationship with God?
• Does this feel exciting, intimidating, or both? Why?
• How might your personal story be part of how God wants to each others?
Read Ephesians 5:1-2.
1. What does it really mean to imitate God and walk continually in love?
• What does this look like in daily life—in our speech, our reactions, our relationships?
• How does Jesus model this kind of love?
2. Paul describes this way of living as being like a “sweet fragrance.”
• What does that image suggest to you?
• Why do you think Paul uses sensory imagery like smell?
• How might our lives give off a “fragrance” to those around us— either attractive or off-putting?
• What do you think makes our love sacrificial or pleasing to God?
Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.
God, we thank you for your presence here. Thank you for your love -- a love that isn't dependent on what we have or have not done, but instead is freely given to us -- even poured out for us at the cross! Thank you for how you have reached out to each of us and restored our relationship with you. Help us to recognize opportunities to tell people about Jesus and the free gift of mercy and grace. Empower us to reach the lost and the broken, to reach the people who don't even know how much they need you God, and to proclaim the goodness of God to everyone we come into contact with through our actions and words. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
Start doing. Let's focus on prayer/reflection.
This week, actively look for someone in need—whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. Then, do something tangible to meet that need. It might be:
• Providing a meal or groceries for someone struggling financially.
• Offering your time or presence to someone who feels alone or discouraged
• Giving a generous gift or donation where you see a need.
• Simply stopping to listen and pray with someone who's hurting.
Before you respond, pause and ask: What would compassion look like in this moment?
Then—respond with action, not just intention.
• Providing a meal or groceries for someone struggling financially.
• Offering your time or presence to someone who feels alone or discouraged
• Giving a generous gift or donation where you see a need.
• Simply stopping to listen and pray with someone who's hurting.
Before you respond, pause and ask: What would compassion look like in this moment?
Then—respond with action, not just intention.