Sensitivity - Biblical Character Curriculum

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Sensitivity in Scripture The Character of God

with promptings from the Holy Spirit. It is our choice whether or not we heed these promptings. In Hebrews 3:7–12, we are warned not to harden our hearts or resist His voice: “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts . . . .) Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”

• Our heavenly Father knows us intimately and understands everything about us.

(See Psalm 139:1–3.)

• Because of Jesus’ temptations here on earth, He identifies with our struggles and weaknesses. (See Hebrews 4:14–16.)

• The Holy Spirit is sensitive to our spirit and emotions, even praying for us when we do not know how to pray ourselves.

(See Romans 8:26–27.)

3. Exercise Sensitivity Toward One Another.

As we grow in Christ—Who came to earth and humbled Himself for us—we begin to think like Him and see others and their needs.

Are they shy or sitting alone? Could we start a conversation with them? Are they left out because they are young? Could we include them in the making of special memories? Are they rejoicing in an accomplishment? Could we rejoice with them? Forgetting ourselves, encouraging others, and caring for those around us are results of letting Christ rule in our hearts and minds. (See Philippians 2:5–7.)

• Because of the consolation of Christ and the affection of the Spirit, we are empowered and commanded to be sensitive to one another.

(See Philippians 2:1–2.)

• Experiencing God’s comfort in our trials enables us to see and understand the needs of others. (See II Corinthians 1:3–4.)

Key Concepts 1. The Definition of Sensitivity. Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Do I observe others and am I concerned for them? For example, if my sister seems sad, would I ignore her or jump to conclusions about her? In being sensitive to her, I would take time to listen carefully to her and try to understand why she is sad. If someone is behaving in an irritating way, being sensitive means seeking to understand and discern why the person is behaving that way. Insensitive people only care about how the other person’s actions affect him; they react to the person rather than trying to understand him.

Sensitivity in My Life

2. Exercise Sensitivity Toward the Lord.

The Lord speaks to us through the Bible and

• I Peter 3:8—What opportunities have I had today to demonstrate this verse?

• Matthew 7:12—Do I treat others the way I want to be treated?

• Ephesians 4:31–32—What should my underlying attitude be toward others regardless of whether or not they are sensitive to me?

• I Thessalonians 5:19—What are reasons that I might "quench the Spirit" (ignore His still, small voice) in my life?

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• Matthew 9:36–38—Am I aware of others as Jesus was, and do I respond the way He commanded?

SENSITIVITY Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Sensitivity in the Life of Jesus

Read Luke 7:11–18 as a family and answer the following questions: 1. W hat was the name of the city where Jesus and His disciples saw a funeral procession passing by? “And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out . . .” (Luke 7:11–12a). What does a funeral procession look like in our day? When our travel is interrupted by a funeral procession, what do we do to show sensitivity and respect for the value of human life?

on her, and said unto her, Weep not” (Luke 7:13). What needs to change in my life to enable me to see the needs of those around me?

2. W ho had died and who was affected most by his death? “Behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow . . .”

(Luke 7:12b). Have you ever known a family who lost a loved one to death?

What things helped to comfort this family in their time of sadness?

6. W ho was glorified by this miracle? “And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people” (Luke 7:16). How is attention and credit directed to God by what we do to bless others?

3. H ow did the townsfolk show their sensitivity to the widow’s loss? “And she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her” (Luke 7:12c). How does having sensitive people around us in our grief help us in our sorrow?

7. W ho heard about this event? “And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things” (Luke 7:17–18). How can sensitivity lead to opportunities for greater ministry?

4. W hich of Jesus’ five senses was He using that led Him to have compassion? “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion 2

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5. W hat did Jesus do as a result of His sensitivity to the woman’s situation?

“And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother” (Luke 7:14–15). When has sensitivity in my life made a difference in other people's lives?

SENSITIVITY

Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son “[Jesus] had compassion on [the widow], and said unto her, Weep not. . . . And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up . . . And he delivered him to his mother.”

—LUKE 7:14–15 3

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Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Memory Verse ROMANS 12:15 “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”

Memory Verse Game: Category Stand-ups Call out a category. Some examples of categories would be “everyone who is wearing blue,” or “everyone who likes spaghetti,” or “everyone who is a girl.” When the category is called, those who fit the description stand up and say the verse together. Continue to play until the verse is memorized, and everyone can say the verse without looking at it.

Doers of the Word

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Have the children write about a time that they applied this verse in their lives. For example: “Even though I didn’t feel well on my sister’s birthday, I tried to celebrate with her and help her have a good time.”

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Craft Instructions Popsicle Stick Faces Introduction Read to the children: “This month we are asking the Lord to develop sensitivity in our lives. What a privilege to respond to the work He is doing to change us into the image of His Son! Today we are going to draw different types of facial expressions on popsicle sticks. Facial expressions are an outward demonstration of what a person is thinking or feeling. When we notice others’ facial expressions, it will help us discern how they are and God can show us how to be a blessing to them.”

Supplies Envelopes, popsicle sticks, crayons or markers

Instructions Give each child an envelope and a red crayon. Instruct them to open the top flap and draw a heart covering the inside of the flap and the outside of the lower part of the envelope. (Have an example ready to show the children to help them understand this instruction.)

Give each child three or four popsicle sticks. Allow them to use their creativity to draw different expressions on each one. (Some ideas include: surprised, scared, happy, sad, angry, tired, or confused.)

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As they draw the faces, read to them: “One way to be sensitive and discern how people are feeling is by noticing the expressions on their faces. What expressions are you drawing? What makes people feel that way? What could you say to the person who looks scared? How could you reach out to the person who is crying? This craft can be a reminder for us to notice and be sensitive to others.”

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

Activity Page Word Search Enjoy meditating and thinking about the words of the memory verse and the definition of sensitivity as you find them in the word search below. The underlined words are hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and backwards.

Sensitivity: Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

*If finding the underlined words is too difficult or frustrating for your child, assign only a couple words to find—such as “And” and “True.” Younger children could point to the ABC’s. Older children may enjoy the extra challenge of finding all the words instead of only the underlined words.

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“Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Romans 12:15).

HYMN HISTORY

Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.

“Does Jesus Care?”

Who is the most cheerful person you know? Can you think of someone?

If that question had been asked of people in the Philadelphia area in the late 1800s, the answer most likely would have been, “Frank Graeff! He's the most cheerful person around!” Graeff’s radiant personality and ever-present smile earned him the nickname “the Sunshine Minister.”

C. Austin Miles, the author of the well-known hymn, “In the Garden,” described Graeff as “A spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; his bright sun-shining disposition attracts him not only to children, but to all with whom he comes in contact. He has a holy magnetism and a child-like faith.”

Being known for his enthusiasm and his captivating story-telling to children, it would seem that Graeff lived a trouble-free life of abundant joy. However, such was not the case. There were times when he experienced unexpected heartbreaks and severe testings. During one particular period of physical agony and emotional doubt and despondency, the “Sunshine Minister” felt abandoned.

Trial after trial had tested his faith; depression had crept in and snuffed out his joy. As James 4:9 says, Graeff’s “laughter” had “turned to mourning,” and his “joy to heaviness.” The man known by many for his cheerful countenance found himself unable to bear the overwhelming difficulties.

Frank E. Graeff In utter helplessness and misery, Graeff wisely turned to Christ, the only One (1860–1919) Who could truly understand the sorrow and agony of his soul. God used the words of the hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” written by Joseph Scriven, to greatly encourage Graeff. The circumstances and heartaches which caused Graeff’s deep despair are unknown; however, there is record of what led Scriven to write his hymn which powerfully affected Graeff. The account was as follows:

However, the elation of the eagerly anticipated event was tragically derailed. Hours later, Scriven reeled in shock as he watched the lifeless body of his fiancee being pulled from the lake. It was a devastating tragedy which occurred the night before their wedding.

Following this tragedy, Scriven sailed to Canada and started life anew. Around ten years after his relocation, he received word that his mother, who was still living in his homeland of Ireland, was ill. Scriven responded by writing and sending a personal poem for her, which has become known as “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”

A few years later, the transplanted Irishman fell in love again. This time it was with a young woman named Eliza Catherine. She agreed to marry him. How eagerly, yet 7

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The year was 1840, and the setting was in the country of Ireland. Twenty-five-yearold Joseph Scriven's heart was filled with an overwhelming anticipation. He was to be married to his beloved bride tomorrow! At last, the wedding day was almost here!

HYMN HISTORY

“Does Jesus Care?” | page 2

perhaps anxiously, he awaited their wedding day! But then Eliza fell ill. Contracting tuberculosis, Eliza passed away before their wedding day. Scriven’s heart was crushed. The man never married; his remaining days were spent in serving the poor and drawing closer to his Friend, Jesus, Who would not leave him comfortless.

Joseph Scriven understood grief. The words that poured from his heart into the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” were a balm and strength to Frank Graeff in his sorrow.

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!

What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what words of truth and comfort! Before reading these consoling words, Graeff felt like he could bear bear no more. Now, he felt himself being carried and lifted by Someone Else. Graeff turned in his Bible to I Peter 5:7 to read, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you.”

The words spoke directly to his heart, and Graeff was inspired to pen his own song proclaiming the Lord’s care in difficult times: Oh yes, He cares—I know He cares!

His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares.

The Lord lovingly carried Graeff through this hard time, and he came through it with a deeper life message and an understanding heart. The experience gave him the comfort and empathy to better minister to those in his church undergoing trials and testings.

God is not callous toward His children! His sensitivity and care for us is our example to notice those around us. How are they feeling? How can we point them to the God of All Comfort? As we are sensitive to others and their needs, Jesus Himself says that we are ministering to Him:

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:34–40).

Bibliography: • Morgan, Robert J., Then Sings My Soul, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, 2003, pp. 130–131, 253.

• Osbeck, Kenneth W., 101 More Hymn Stories, Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, 1982, pp. 76–78.

• Sanville, George W., Forty Gospel Hymn Stories, The Voice of Prophecy, Los Angeles, p. 74.

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Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

SENSITIVITY

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Sensitivity is exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me.