The story “Madeline’s Misdemeanor” highlights the following learning objective: “Understand that when one shows compassion to another one is giving another a bridge of acceptance that will help that person overcome something that may be discouraging or holding that person back.” (Compassion-2a)
Look up the following Bible verse with your child:
- When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. (1 Corinthians 9: 22 NLT)
Discuss the following with your child:
- Think about a time when you were going through difficulty. What kinds of encouraging words or actions did you appreciate receiving from others during such times?
- Discuss stories of Bible characters, people from recent or ancient history, or fictional characters who showed compassion in such a way as to help a person suffering come to a better place in their life through their words and actions (e.g., the compassionate bishop who helps Jean Valjean in the novel Les Misérables, etc.).
- What kinds of situations do you think are difficult for those in your peer group? Of those situations, in which do you feel you may be able to do something to help?