Care!

“If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.

“If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.” Deuteronomy 22:1-4

“Let love be genuine... Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor…

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly… Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:9-10,15-18

“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

God’s law given to Moses covered many particular areas of life, and revealed His heart for man’s heart. While commands were to be followed, the motive and end mattered most. The Lord desired a people who deeply cared about His honor and each other as fellow image-bearers, so they would reflect His character as they carried His word to the world.

The command to care about and for a brother is clear. The God of small things takes notice of and is concerned for the intricacies of His children’s lives, and demands we own that same compassion and purity through and through. He gave the law as a framework for our living in relationships with others, to give structure, discipline, and guidance. His commands also serve to show us how we fall short and are in desperate need of Him in order to be Christ-like in our dealings with one another.

Do I really care about other people? Do I pick and choose those easiest to love, and only there invest my heart? Do I assume the worst and judge brusqueness or unwelcome as a character flaw, or do I make an effort to explore what is going on in the lives of those more difficult to love?

How deliberately do I spend time and attention to observe, get to know, and anticipate sorrows, burdens, or needs? How willing and interested am I to listen to their stories? When I notice or am made aware of specific needs, what do I do about it? What effort do I put into restoring another person, or lifting them up through encouragement, help, and friendship? Are my relationships about me, or about them? (Isaiah 50:4)

Acknowledging daily that I’m God’s child, chosen to serve for His glory, refreshes my impetus to care. Will I ask for His eyes and heart today? His Spirit directs motivation and fuels effort expended for others’ sake. (Isaiah 49:3)

Father, help me care about and love others the way You do me, so they are built up and You are glorified.