CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

1 Cor 12:25-26

25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Luke 10:33-35

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

           What would it be like to be truly care free? What would it be like to have no anxiety about anything or anyone? Our first response, I think, is always wrong for we think it would be heavenly. Upon further contemplation, however, we would discover that we love no one but ourselves and that all our pleasant things no longer satisfy us. God built into each one of us the capacity to care. The first man – even before Eve – was given the task of naming all the animals and “taking care” of the perfectly formed garden. Man without a care is not so care free after all.

           The word and concept of “care” is different in our two portions this morning. The word used in Corinthians which talks about mutual care of each other is the Greek word merimnao and means “to be anxious about or to take thought.” The idea is that someone is on my mind and that I desire them to be happy, healthy and well looked after. Now, imagine that there is nothing or nobody in your heart that causes you to care! It is hard to wrap your mind around the concept, isn’t it? We care for our spouses, our children, our friends and a host of others. It means that we have the capacity to love someone other than ourselves. Thank God for that!

           In the story of the Good Samaritan the word care is the Greek word epimeleomai and means “to minister to someone physically or practically.” This is when concern springs into action. It is always costly! The Samaritan cared because he had compassion. He felt the pain of another. He allowed himself to be inconvenienced and to suffer a small financial loss. It was not an investment – it was a gift!

           God gave us the capacity to care and the energy to do something about that concern. He knows that when we minister to others it costs us something physically, psychologically and often financially. However he does not want us to be burdened down with care. 1 Peter 5:7 invites us to “Cast all our care upon him; for he cares for us.” In this verse the idea of care is that we are distracted. When it gets too heavy give it to Him.

           Is someone heavy on your mind? Pray for them! Do they have a need? Minister to them in a practical way! Is it so heavy it is driving you to distraction? Give it to Jesus!

Dear Lord, I care for many of my friends and loved ones this morning. When possible, let me minister to them in a practical way. When the burden gets too heavy please lift my load. Thank you. AMEN