Lutheran Woman's Quarterly
Spring 2026 — Show One Another
Compassion and Mercy
Editor's Note
“This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another’” (Zechariah 7:9 NIV).
Over the past couple of years, I have been blessed to receive compassion from many friends and acquaintances. There are so many ways to show compassion. One neighbor will pop by for a quick visit, while others will stay longer. Sometimes I get to have long telephone conversations, while others will send a quick text to remind me they are there for me. I have a friend who has a card ministry: no matter the occasion — or even if there isn’t a special one — she’ll send a card. Many long and short heartfelt letters have been sent to me. And there are always the hugs; of late they have been longer hugs — and stronger. I have groups of friends who constantly pray for me. When I think of the word compassion, I remember the time when Don was in the hospital, and several groups of friends stopped by — all at the same time — to show him compassion. I was standing to the side, watching, and a good friend came to stand in front of me, take my face in his hands, and began his words of kindness with, “Are you taking care of you?”
We each show and desire to be shown compassion in different ways. God is our example of how to show compassion — how to show sympathy and empathy — how to live not only kindly, but with tenderhearted mercy and consideration. Let Him lead you.
He has blessed some of us to do this in subtle ways. Others have gifts which enable them to live a life of compassionate, easily seen service to our God and to others. Enjoy reading the stories of how some have used the gift of compassion.
No matter how you give compassion — no matter how you receive it — it is a gift of God.
Sheila Lutz, Editor-in-Chief
Select Bible Studies and Leader Guides Now Available
BIBLE STUDIES
available to download and print
16 | Overflowing in Comfort — Leader Guide PDF
18 | Who Is My Neighbor And What Does This Mean? — Study Guide PDF
| Who Is My Neighbor And What Does This Mean? — Leader Guide PDF
20 | ¿Quién Es Mi Prójimo Y Qué Significa Esto? — Estudio Bíblico PDF
| ¿Quién Es Mi Prójimo Y Qué Significa Esto? — Notas del líder PDF
22 | Out of Sight But Not Out of Mine — Leader Guide PDF
Select Articles Available as Free Downloads — coming soon
FEATURES
2 | Mercy and Compassion … The Heart of Christianity
| Gift Planning Services
IN EVERY ISSUE
| Editor's note
1 | Praying the Psalms
7 | Reach One … With the Large Print Quarterly
14 | Grants @Work: Bringing Christ-Centered Hope Into Our Confusing Culture
28 | Shop LWML
29 | President’s Page
Future Quarterly Themes
Share your story with us at editor@lwml.org
Fall 2026 (Submit by April 1, 2026)
HUMBLE SERVICE
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way (Psalm 25:9).
How have you been served by someone who didn’t expect anything in return? Do you know someone who quietly serves without needing recognition
– perhaps a parish nurse, first responder, teacher, or ____? How do you grow in service? Balance service with the rest of your life?
Winter 2026 (Submit by July 1, 2026)
GLORIA!
My heart is satisfied, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being! (Psalm 108:1).
What does music mean in your worship? How does singing bring joy for those who aren’t singers? What does glorifying God “with all the saints and angels” mean to you? How do you glorify God at Christmas — or in each season of life? How is music good for your whole being?
