Keeping Promises

Being cared for is one of our deepest needs as humans, and caring for others is a noble thing to do. The reason we care for others is because God cares for us. All throughout the Bible, we see examples of God caring for His people. When Jesus came to earth, He further revealed God’s caring nature. One example of this is how Jesus cared for His disciples. After He sent them out in pairs to the surrounding towns to share the good news of the kingdom, heal sickness, and cast out demons, they returned to report back to Jesus. But “so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat†(Mark 6:31). So Jesus told them to come with Him and go somewhere else to take a rest.

Jesus’s love for us should inspire us to care for others. Here are a few practical things we can do to care:

• Appreciate and thank others. Express gratitude for their kindness, love, and support toward you and others (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15). Give them a call, a note, or send a message.

• Accept people for who they are, their uniqueness, even their weaknesses. Accept them even when they make mistakes and stumble, for God accepts you even when you fall because Jesus’s death and resurrection have covered all your failures and shortcomings (Romans 15:7).

• Be present with people, especially when they need you. Your presence can let them know you value them and they’re not alone. Giving your time to family, friends, and loved ones can help them feel loved and remind them of God’s nearness (Romans 12:15).

• Believe in people (1 Corinthians 13:7). Your affirmation can help others become courageous, see themselves differently, and do the good things God has given them to do (Ephesians 2:10).

• Give and provide for other’s needs. While donating and volunteering are great ways to care, remember that people’s needs are not always material. It could be that someone needs your listening ear, your support, your advice, your comfort, or your encouragement. • Golda Dilema

• Can you think of a time someone cared for you? What did they do? What did it mean to you?

• How might God be giving you opportunities to care for people in your own life?

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:10 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Gen.21.1-Gen.21.2|Matt.7.9-Matt.7.11