This reflection draws inspiration from a friend who shared these thoughts with me after our most recent visit. We both know it was divine intervention a few years ago that brought us together because of a Christian T-shirt that I was wearing at a retreat. Since then, we get together at least once a month and enjoy food, walks, and spiritual conversations. This time I was glad she asked for assistance with two small house tasks that needed a second person.
She had been praying the next morning, and the word “care” came to her. She pointed out something I had never thought about—the difference she sees between when you “care about” or “care for” someone.
My friend experiences the “care for” from both God and me when we gather in fellowship to spend quality time together. She feels God’s love and care in the simple acts of kindness shared during our visits. It made me reflect on and realize the importance of our need to “care for” others that we encounter daily.
Do we need to pay closer attention to how we “care for” others?
Do we give thanks for how others “care for” us?
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What are some Scripture verses that talk about the importance of “care for” others?
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” –Matthew 25:31-40 (NIV)
Jesus gives specific examples of ways we can “care for” others, putting our love and concern into action. We are to “care for” those in need, talk to a stranger and possibly invite them for a visit, take care of the sick, and visit the lonely and imprisoned. These are all concrete ways to “care for” others. When we “care for” others, we are doing the will of Jesus and sharing His love.
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I learn how you are doing. I have nobody else like him who will genuinely “care for” your needs. For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. –Philippians 2:19-21 (BSB)
Paul too emphasized to those in Philippi the importance of “caring for” others’ needs, as Timothy was modeling. He encourages us to not be so concerned with ourselves or our needs; we need to be like Jesus and be concerned with others. We have the responsibility to provide for those in need.
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Do you know that God not only cares about you, but also truly “cares for” you?
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. –1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:13 (NLT)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. –John 14:27 (NIV)
For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. –Psalm 91:11 (NLT)
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. –Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
God, our loving Father, goes to great lengths to let us know how special we are to Him. He loves and cares for you and me—even more than our finite minds can comprehend. Think of all the gifts God lavishes on us, His children—the ability to cast all our anxiety upon Him, strength so we can do everything through Jesus, the gift of peace despite the storms that are raging in our lives, protection wherever we go, and His promise that He is always with us and He will never leave us, to name a few. We are so blessed to be the recipients of God’s care for us.
Be encouraged this week to…
…be purposeful to “care for” others rather than just care about them.
…share gratitude with the person that showed “care for” you.
…ask God to help you meet a need in someone’s life.
…genuinely sacrifice meeting one of your interests to serve someone.
…record for a day the ways you see God “care for” you.
REFLECTION:
How has God shown you that He cares for you?
What action item can you do to show someone you care for them?
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. –Proverbs 3:27 (NIV)
