Rediscovering the Art of Truly Caring in a Self-Centric World

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, ESV)

It would take little effort to convince us that the essence of caring and sharing has dwindled. Faith has become a transactional exchange bought and sold at “spiritual” members’ clubs with little distinguishing the next McChurch on the main road. The very heart of Christ’s teachings, emphasizing intentionally bearing one another’s burdens, is obscured in the shadows of modern self-centeredness. We face a lack of benevolence, a pervasive detachment, and isolation that hinders genuine Christ-like involvement and service.

Peeling Back the Pretense: Pondering the Patchwork of False Care

Taking a closer look, it becomes evident that our contemporary lifestyle promotes self-centeredness over selflessness. Modernity detaches and isolates us from the needs of those around us, inhibiting genuine involvement and engagement. Actual involvement with others becomes a deliberate effort to resist these cultural influences.

Gospel Groundwork: Grasping the Imperative to Truly Care

A profound understanding of the Gospel imperative is the key to resolving this crisis. Galatians 6:2 urges us to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” To be Christ-like, we must actively care and share with those around us, as exemplified by Jesus, who “went about doing good.” It is a positive and negative calling, a genuine reflection of pure and undefiled religion, as described in James 1:21-27.

Incarnational Compassion: Infusing God’s Love in Practical Action

Genuine care is not merely a sentimental gesture but a tangible expression of our faith. The early disciples demonstrated striking generosity, emphasizing that giving to others is an outgrowth of giving ourselves to the Lord. The Gospel teaches us that our eternal destiny is intertwined with serving the needs of others, a concept echoed in Matthew 25:31-46.

Neglecting to care and share is a serious error with consequences akin to cruelty (Luke 10:30-37). The call to share the Gospel is not a hidden agenda but the ultimate aim of our actions. While temporal help is essential, our primary focus should be on communicating the life-saving message of Christ, and neglecting to serve the needs of others, whether due to thoughtlessness, lack of time, or fear, is a failure to fulfill our duty as Christ’s ambassadors on Earth.

Beyond Benevolence: Breathing in the Transformative Power of Caring

We may feel inadequate or limited in our ability to help others, but God can work through even the most minor acts of kindness. The parable of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 illustrates the profound impact of even the seemingly insignificant contributions. Our caring and sharing, done cheerfully and willingly, become powerful ways the Lord influences those around us. As we embrace the truth that “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35), let our light shine by actively caring for and sharing with those in need.

‌~PW 🌮🛶