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How would you define mercy? Webster’s dictionary defines it as showing compassion or forbearance to an offender that is subject to one’s power.

How many examples can think of where Jesus showed mercy?

Daniel has been praying and fasting for three weeks, and it seems like God is not answering. But then an angel comes and tells him that God sent him three weeks ago to answer his prayer, but Satan stopped him. In fact, the angel Michael had to come help him!

When the angel touches him, Daniel begins to shake and the angel tells him to “Fear not.” Fear is a powerful emotion.

Have you ever been so afraid of something happening (or not happening), that it caused you to lose heart? What does scripture tell us to do with all of our fears?

Have you ever thought about how Noah felt? Did you know that he spent 100 years building the ark? How do you think he felt after 10 years? 30 years? 50 years?

What’s the longest you’ve ever had to wait for an answer from God? Is there any chance that you missed His answer? Did you lose heart?

How would you describe Jonah’s mood while he’s in the belly of the great fish? Do you think he lost heart as time went on?

How does Jonah respond to his situation? Do you find it easier, or harder, to pray when things aren’t going well?

How does the Lord respond to Jonah’s prayer? Do you think that gave Jonah more faith in God’s power and plan for his life?

Paul is again trying to encourage the church – this time it’s the group in Galatia. It appears that some of the people are still sinning, and others are just getting tired of trying to do good. (Have you ever felt that way?)

What does Paul tell them in verses 9 and 10? Do you believe that? (Is it easier to believe on some days than it is on others? It’s true all of the time!)

Paul is trying to keep the church at Corinth from becoming discouraged. How would you put verses 16-18 in your own words?

Take time to see how Eugene Peterson translates verses 16-18 in the Message.

Can you even imagine anything for encouraging than Jesus looking at you and saying, “Take heart.”? Is there anything that you couldn’t get through? Do you realize that He’s telling you that every time that adversity comes your way?!

What does he have to say to those that will tell someone in need to, “Go in peace…”?

Where does God tell Cornelius to go? (Or send people.) Where does God tell Peter to go?

Where does the Holy Spirit go? Did you notice that all three of these people went places that they weren’t supposed to go?!

(A Roman soldier going to a Jew for help? A Jew going anywhere near a Gentile’s home? And the Holy Spirit going to someone that hadn’t even been baptized!)

Why does God give us these stories? What can we learn from Cornelius, Peter, and the Holy Spirit?