I. DEFINITIONS<\/p>\n
A. What Are the Meanings of the Verb Care?<\/p>\n
\u2022 to have a personal interest in<\/p>\n
\u2022 to be watchful over<\/p>\n
\u2022 to be affectionate toward<\/p>\n
\u2022 to look out for<\/p>\n
\u2022 to be concerned about<\/p>\n
\u2022 to provide for<\/p>\n
\u2022 to give serious attention to<\/p>\n
\u2022 to keep safe<\/p>\n
\u201cYou understand, O LORD; remember me and care for me.\u201d
\n(Jeremiah 15:15)<\/p>\n
OLD TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF GOD\u2019S CARE FOR YOU<\/p>\n
\u2022 God knows your situation.<\/p>\n
The Hebrew word yada means \u201cto know by experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat.\u201d(Hosea 13:5)<\/p>\n
\u2022 God understands how you feel.<\/p>\n
The Hebrew word bin means \u201cto perceive with the senses; to observe, mark, give heed to, or have discernment and insight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a desert land he found him, in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye.\u201d (Deuteronomy 32:10)<\/p>\n
\u2022 God provides for your needs.<\/p>\n
The Hebrew word yad means \u201chand\u201d or \u201cpower, control and direction.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFor he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.\u201d (Psalm 95:7)<\/p>\n
B. What Is Caregiving?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Caregiving provides emotional and physical support to a person who is unable to live independently.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Caregiving makes a choice with your heart and mind to give needed support to a dependent person.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Caregiving gives care to the \u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 elderly<\/p>\n
\u2014 infant or child<\/p>\n
\u2014 temporarily injured<\/p>\n
\u2014 handicapped (physically, mentally, emotionally)<\/p>\n
\u2014 chronically or terminally ill<\/p>\n
\u201cCarry each other\u2019s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.\u201d (Galatians 6:2)<\/p>\n
NEW TESTAMENT EXAMPLES OF CARING FOR OTHERS<\/p>\n
\u2022 A Servant\u2019s Heart \u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 providing practical needs<\/p>\n
The Greek word diakoneo means \u201cto be an attendant, servant or to wait upon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMany women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs.\u201d (Matthew 27:55)<\/p>\n
\u2022 A Sacrificial Heart \u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 providing for physical needs<\/p>\n
The Greek word epimeleomai means \u201cto care for physically or otherwise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.\u201d (Luke 10:34)<\/p>\n
\u2022 A Shepherd\u2019s Heart \u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 providing protection<\/p>\n
The Greek word poimaino means \u201cto tend as a shepherd.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAgain Jesus said, \u2018Simon son of John, do you truly love me?\u2019 He answered, \u2018Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.\u2019 Jesus said, \u2018Take care of my sheep.\u2019 \u201d (John 21:16)<\/p>\n
C. What Are the Levels of Caregiving?<\/p>\n
Most people in need of caregiving are part of an existing family that should be responsive. Different family members will meet needs in different ways. God\u2019s plan for caregivers is summed up in the word repayment\u2014God is giving you the opportunity to repay your family for the care you once received.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.\u201d
\n(1 Timothy 5:4)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Primary Caregiver<\/p>\n
\u2014 The primary caregiver is often the eldest or most responsible family member who meets needs on a regular basis (fills the major role of caregiving).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Periodic Caregiver<\/p>\n
\u2014 The periodic caregiver is a reliable family member or friend who provides faithful support for the primary caregiver (initiates help and is usually available when needed).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Peripheral Caregiver<\/p>\n
\u2014 The peripheral caregiver provides marginal assistance according to personal convenience (occasional visits or outings).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Passive Caregiver<\/p>\n
\u2014 The passive caregiver denies or seems unaware of the needs and cannot be relied on to give assistance (often lacks follow-through even when called on).<\/p>\n
II. CHARACTERISTICS AND SYMPTOMS<\/p>\n
A. The Prison of Resentment<\/p>\n
Full-time caregiving can be very demanding. Don\u2019t be surprised when negative feelings surface. These feelings are a natural result of emotional and physical fatigue. Many caregivers feel there is no escape from their prison of constant responsibility. Yet, this is often the environment God uses to turn our hearts toward Him.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you, O God, tested us; you refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.\u201d
\n(Psalm 66:10\u201311)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Physically exhausted fatigued
\n\u2022 Resentful bitter and angry
\n\u2022 Isolated lonely and misunderstood
\n\u2022 Stressed guilty and torn
\n\u2022 Overwhelmed helpless
\n\u2022 Neglected unappreciated<\/p>\n
B. The Caregiver\u2019s Crisis Checklist<\/p>\n
In asking yourself these questions, honestly assess your feelings to determine if it could be time to seek help.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I easily agitated with those I love?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I becoming more critical of others?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I having difficulty laughing or having fun?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I turning down most invitations to be with others?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I feeling depressed about my situation?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I feeling hurt when my efforts go unnoticed?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I resentful when other family members are not helping?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I feeling trapped by all the responsibilities?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I being manipulated?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I missing sleep and regular exercise?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I becoming so overwhelmed that my caregiving is beginning to suffer?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I losing myself in the constant demands of caregiving?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I too busy for quiet time with God?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Am I feeling guilty when I take time for myself?<\/p>\n
\u201cHumble yourselves, therefore, under God\u2019s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.\u201d
\n(1 Peter 5:6\u20137)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cI\u2019m a major caregiver for my elderly father. How can I keep from burning out?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: You do no one any good if you burn out! To prevent emotional overload, you need to convene a \u201cfamily council meeting\u201d in order to design a plan to lighten the load.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Call all family members together for a family meeting.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Be honest about your need for help in handling the caregiving.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Say: \u201cI\u2019m at a crisis point. Together, we need to come up with a solution to share all the responsibilities for the caregiving. I\u2019m still willing to be the major caregiver, but I need some relief from you. For the sake of my own emotional health, I need to schedule some regular time away. If we all help with the caregiving, the load will be lighter.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Give specific suggestions about times that need to be covered by others as well how to meet any financial needs.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Ask, \u201cWhat are you willing to do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Do not dwell on the past and make no accusations. Instead, take the position that you assume that everyone wants to do what is best for all involved.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.\u201d (Proverbs 16:21)<\/p>\n
III. CAUSES<\/p>\n
Has your compassion turned to contempt? Why is caregiving considered one of the most difficult callings in life?<\/p>\n
A. Questions and Answers<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cWhy do I have strong feelings of guilt in regard to caregiving?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: You can feel legitimate guilt if you have not given family members adequate care. Scripture tells us to provide for our family\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.\u201d (1 Timothy 5:8)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cWhy do I feel guilty that I had to use an outside facility to care for a family member?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: You could be experiencing false guilt if you assume responsibilities that God does not initiate. You are told to honor your mother and father, but Scripture is not specific on how you should do this.<\/p>\n
\u201c \u2018Honor your father and mother\u2019\u2014which is the first commandment with a promise\u2014\u2018that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.\u2019 \u201d (Ephesians 6:2\u20133)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cWhy do previously good relationships become painful and unhealthy in the context of constant caregiving?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: Unresolved conflicts from the past are revealed when put under the pressure of daily caregiving.<\/p>\n
\u201cConsider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.\u201d (James 1:2\u20134)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cWhy do anger, resentment and bitterness have such strongholds in my life?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: These emotions may be the direct result of unforgiveness toward those who cause hurt and injustice in your life.<\/p>\n
\u201cBear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.\u201d (Colossians 3:13)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cI am doing everything that is expected of me\u2014why am I still feeling inadequate?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: Rather than resting in the Spirit of Christ, you have given control of your life over to the paralyzing P\u2019s of:<\/p>\n
\u2014 Perfectionism \u2026 The \u201cPerfect Christian\u201d<\/p>\n
Trying to do all the right things in your own strength<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.\u201d (2 Corinthians 3:5)<\/p>\n
\u2014 Performance \u2026 The \u201cPeople-Pleaser\u201d<\/p>\n
Seeking the approval and acceptance of others<\/p>\n
\u201cSo we make it our goal to please him [the Lord].\u2026 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.\u201d (2 Corinthians 5:9\u201310)<\/p>\n
\u2014 Pride \u2026 The \u201cFix It\u201d Mentality<\/p>\n
Assuming responsibility for that which God Himself intends to accomplish<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.\u201d (Proverbs 11:2)<\/p>\n
B. Root Cause<\/p>\n
A distorted belief system is the reason many caregivers feel there is no escape from the confines of external control. It is important to line up your thinking with God\u2019s Word\u2014letting His truth set you free.<\/p>\n
WRONG BELIEF: \u201cIt\u2019s my duty to provide care because others expect it of me. I\u2019m determined to endure this responsibility so I won\u2019t feel guilty.\u201d<\/p>\n
RIGHT BELIEF: It is my desire to provide care because Christ has called me to serve. I have the strength to endure through Christ and the privilege of fellowship with Him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.\u201d (1 Corinthians 1:8\u20139)<\/p>\n
IV. STEPS TO SOLUTION<\/p>\n
A. Key Verse to Memorize<\/p>\n
\u201cCome to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.\u201d
\n(Matthew 11:28)<\/p>\n
B. Key Passage to Read and Reread<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.\u201d
\n(Galatians 6:7\u201310)<\/p>\n
CALLED TO CARING<\/p>\n
Galatians chapter 6
\n\u2022 God\u2019s ways are just. You will receive the same treatment that you give to others.
\nv. 7
\n\u2022 Living for personal pleasure reaps death. Choosing to live for others reaps life!
\nv. 8
\n\u2022 Refuse to give up when your circumstances become difficult. God promises to reward those who persevere.
\nv. 9
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t miss the opportunity to serve another when God brings it to you, especially those in your family and those who love the Lord.
\nv. 10<\/p>\n
C. Overcome Overdo<\/p>\n
THE DON\u2019TS OF CAREGIVING<\/p>\n
God is just as concerned about you, the caregiver, as He is about the one placed in your care. If you have a sincere desire to help others, the tendency is to assume too much responsibility and to overdo! Thus, you, as God\u2019s chief instrument of care, can become disappointed, depressed and defeated. Overcome your desire to overdo by developing a respect for these practical don\u2019ts and do\u2019s of caregiving.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t do everything for the person you are taking care of.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Encourage personal accountability.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Share responsibility whenever possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor each one should carry his own load.\u201d (Galatians 6:5)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t think you have to have all the answers.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Listen carefully for hurts and feelings that are being expressed.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Learn to reflect the hurt so they know you really \u201chear.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe who answers before listening\u2014that is his folly and his shame.\u201d (Proverbs 18:13)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t think you must control people and circumstances.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Submit to the leading and control of the Holy Spirit.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Recognize that God has His purposes to accomplish.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.\u201d (Romans 8:9)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t take things too seriously.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Focus on the positives.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Learn to laugh at little things.<\/p>\n
\u201cA cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.\u201d (Proverbs 17:22)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t think your identity is found in meeting another\u2019s needs\u2014to do so can quickly develop into codependency.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Realize that your identity is in Christ.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Know that God will meet your needs for meaning and purpose in your life.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.\u201d (Colossians 3:3)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t repress your feelings of hurt and frustration.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Share your pain with a trusted friend.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Pour out your heart to the Lord.<\/p>\n
\u201cTrust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.\u201d (Psalm 62:8)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t let yourself become physically exhausted. Lack of rest is a setup for emotional vulnerability.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Set aside time to be alone.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Set your own personal boundaries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, \u2018Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.\u2019 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.\u201d (Mark 6:31\u201332)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t become isolated from family and friends for long periods of time.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Keep contact with others to help you keep a positive perspective.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Maintain a regular schedule of getting away.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of one\u2019s friend springs from his earnest counsel.\u201d (Proverbs 27:9)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t become spiritually depleted.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Thank God for the pressure you are under.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Allow the pressure to increase your time in God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees.\u201d (Psalm 119:71)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t try to do it all alone.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Learn to delegate needs to others.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Ask for help from family, relatives, friends or engage an outside support person.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe LORD said to Moses: \u2018Bring me seventy of Israel\u2019s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the Tent of Meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone.\u2019 \u201d (Numbers 11:16\u201317)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t expect to please everyone.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Accept the fact that others will misunderstand and even get angry with you.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Be led by God\u2019s Spirit and seek to do that which pleases the Lord.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.\u201d (Colossians 3:17)<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t assume a load of false guilt if you have to choose another source of care.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Seek what is best for the person in need.<\/p>\n
Do \u2026 Be content that God knows the intent of your heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe LORD said to Samuel, \u2018Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.\u2019 \u201d (1 Samuel 16:7)<\/p>\n
D. Not a Prison, but a Privilege<\/p>\n
Pray to have a servant\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Father, please give me the desire to meet the needs of others unselfishly without counting the cost of personal sacrifice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cServe wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men.\u201d (Ephesians 6:7)<\/p>\n
Realize that God has chosen you for a special assignment.<\/p>\n
God wants to use you to show His love to another. God wants you to cooperate with Him as He brings growth and maturity into your own life.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.\u201d (Romans 8:28)<\/p>\n
Identify attitudes that may be blocking your ability to respond to God.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Father, help me to recognize any anger, bitterness, resentment, hopelessness, pride and self-pity that reside in my own heart. Make me willing to release these inappropriate attitudes to You and replace them with Your spirit of love, sincerity, forgiveness, patience, gratefulness, thanksgiving and joy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCreate in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.\u201d (Psalm 51:10)<\/p>\n
Value this opportunity, for it is only temporary.<\/p>\n
\u201cDear Father, thank You for this opportunity to be Your servant in the life of another person. I realize that nothing is forever and You will not allow anything to become more than I can bear. Please give me the grace to trust in Your perfect timing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIn this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.\u201d (1 Peter 1:6)<\/p>\n
Invest your life in the life of another.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Build an intimate relationship of love.
\n\u2022 Identify with the feelings of the person you are caring for.
\n\u2022 Be vulnerable with your own feelings.
\n\u2022 Pray daily for the needs of the one you are caring for.<\/p>\n
\u201cCarry each other\u2019s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.\u201d (Galatians 6:2)<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.\u201d (1 John 4:12)<\/p>\n
Learn to live one day at a time.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Communicate with God at the beginning of each day.
\n\u2022 Focus on God\u2019s continual presence throughout the day.
\n\u2022 Recognize God\u2019s orchestration of the events of the day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.\u201d (Psalm 118:24)<\/p>\n
Exchange your weakness for Christ\u2019s strength.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Know His grace is sufficient.
\n\u2022 Act on His presence within you. Submit to His gentle promptings.
\n\u2022 Obey His Spirit even when you don\u2019t feel like it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can do everything through him who gives me strength.\u201d (Philippians 4:13)<\/p>\n
Give up expectations.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Don\u2019t expect others to understand your difficulties.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t expect appreciation to be voiced for all you do.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t expect others to help without your asking.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t have unrealistic expectations of the person you are caring for.
\n\u2022 Don\u2019t have unrealistic expectations of yourself.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.\u201d (Proverbs 12:25)<\/p>\n
Experience a deeper intimacy with God.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.\u201d (Psalm 139:7\u201310)<\/p>\n
E. The Heart of Christian Caregiving<\/p>\n
To demonstrate His command that you must \u201cLove your neighbor as yourself\u201d (Luke 10:27), Jesus tells His story of the good Samaritan. With an illustration intended to break through the legalistic thinking of the Pharisees, Jesus painted a visual picture of Love vs. Law.
\n\u2022 A heart that has compassion for another
\nLuke 10:34
\n\u2022 A heart that is willing to give up personal time for another
\nLuke 10:34
\n\u2022 A heart that ministers to another\u2019s physical needs
\nLuke 10:34
\n\u2022 A heart that provides financial support to another
\nLuke 10:35
\n\u2022 A heart that requires accountability from others
\nLuke 10:35
\n\u2022 A heart that is committed to another
\nLuke 10:35<\/p>\n
BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATION OF CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING<\/p>\n
\u201cOn one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. \u2018Teacher,\u2019 he asked, \u2018what must I do to inherit eternal life?\u2019 \u2018What is written in the Law?\u2019 he replied. \u2018How do you read it?\u2019 He answered: \u2018Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind\u2019; and, \u2018Love your neighbor as yourself.\u2019 \u2018You have answered correctly,\u2019 Jesus replied. \u2018Do this and you will live.\u2019 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, \u2018And who is my neighbor?\u2019 In reply Jesus said: \u2018A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. \u201cLook after him,\u201d he said, \u201cand when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.\u201d Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?\u2019 The expert in the law replied, \u2018The one who had mercy on him.\u2019 Jesus told him, \u2018Go and do likewise.\u2019 \u201d
\n(Luke 10:25\u201337)<\/p>\n
F. A Little Does a Lot<\/p>\n
\u201cFor we are God\u2019s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.\u201d
\n(Ephesians 2:10)<\/p>\n
You may never be called to provide full-time care for a friend, relative or close family member, but you are always on call to show the love of God in small meaningful ways to others. It\u2019s often the \u201clittle things\u201d that bring the most appreciation and joy. Reveal your heart for God by recognizing practical ways to be the good Samaritan in the life of another. Remember\u2014A little will be much when it\u2019s placed in the Master\u2019s hand!<\/p>\n
WAYS FRIENDS CAN SHOW CARE<\/p>\n
\u2022 Send cards and handwritten notes.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Make visits to the hospital or nursing home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Send flowers or small gifts.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Provide food and occasionally an entire meal.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Volunteer to be a driver (transportation).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Entertain children or other family members.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Shop for needed items.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Set aside time for regular reading aloud.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Take walks and do other outdoor activities.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Offer to do laundry and housecleaning.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be a willing and attentive listener.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Extend emotional and physical affection.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Provide financial assistance.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Become a prayer warrior.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.\u201d
\n(Hebrews 6:10)<\/p>\n
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION\u00ae. NIV\u00ae.
\nCopyright \u00a9 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n
We acknowledge that mistakes could occur in the writing of any of our resources or an omission may be found in the many Scripture references and citations contained herein. Although the editors have sought to avoid all errors, some may have crept in or been overlooked, for which we take full responsibility. The considerate reader would render us a great service by calling our attention to any such error.<\/p>\n
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\n\u00a9 1991\u20132008 HOPE FOR THE HEART<\/p>\n
@book{Hunt_2008,
\nplace={Dallas, TX},
\ntitle={Biblical Counseling Keys on Caregiving: A Privilege, Not a Prison},
\npublisher={Hope For The Heart},
\nauthor={Hunt, June},
\nyear={2008}}<\/p>\n
Exportiert aus Verbum, 14:53 18. Februar 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I. DEFINITIONS A. What Are the Meanings of the Verb Care? \u2022 to have a personal interest in \u2022 to be watchful over \u2022 to be affectionate toward \u2022 to look out for \u2022 to be concerned about \u2022 to provide for \u2022 to give serious attention to \u2022 to keep safe \u201cYou understand, O … <\/p>\n