Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Clyde highlights Paul’s ministry “with tears” (Acts 20) and claims we need more outreach “with tears”—what does that reveal about God’s heart toward sinners and sufferers, and what would have to happen in us for “tears” to become normal rather than awkward, performative, or rare?
Another way to ask: What does Paul serving “with tears” show about God’s heart for sinners and people who suffer? What would need to change in us for compassion to be normal and real, not awkward or fake?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
In the transcript, “tears” show that true outreach flows from deep love, grief, and earnest pleading for people, not from cold duty or arguments. For tears to become normal, Clyde implies we must draw near to God in prayer, cultivate humility, and let ourselves truly feel the suffering and lostness around us.
- Paul’s example: Acts 20—Paul warned “night and day” for “three years… with tears.”
- Clyde’s application: “we need more people reaching out in America with tears.”
- He ties it to empathy: “Genuine concern and empathy… Try to feel what they’re feeling.”
- He connects it to prayer and closeness with God: “every morning on our knees, getting really close to God and asking him for opportunities.”
- He shares personal burden: seeing poverty “hurts deep within my heart and soul,” and he “cr[ies] out to God.”
- He warns against fake outreach: “We can’t just put on an evangelism face… It has to be who we are.”