It’s a terrible thing to think that no-one cares for you. While there can be many reasons for this, the ugly reality is crushing. However, the comforting news is that there is always someone who cares. Your creator God, He cares deeply. What’s more, He demonstrates His loving care in many ways, both obvious ways and subtle ways.
The Lord’s perfect character should give you confidence to cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God’s Word records the testimonies of many people who trusted in God when all seemed lost, and God proved Himself faithful and trustworthy.
Therefore, growing out of God’s enormous loving care, the Bible speaks to this most basic human need; to feel cared for. As the Lord is caring, so His people are to be caring just as their Saviour is. In fact, every believer, every member of the Church is to “have the same care for one another” (1 Corinthians 12:25). The strongest foundation for Church unity grows out of commitment to God’s Word and loving, unbiased care for the people of God within the congregation He has placed you. Through giving care we often receive care.
When Paul was saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, amongst other things, he specifically instructed them “to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). As the members of the Church have been bought with a high price, they are highly valued by God. Likewise, beginning with Church leaders, God’s value of His Church should be remembered, and the members cared for accordingly.
There are many ways to express care, and at its best, it expresses love. The simplest smile to the greatest self-sacrificing gifts of service can express love. Love is fundamental to the Christian faith and best expresses the heart of God. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
The most common way we experience the loving care of God is through the loving care provided by God’s people. However, we must be willing to receive the care offered, otherwise it can’t be experienced. So it is with love, unless it’s received, it’s wonderful benefits can never be experienced. Jesus invitation is as valid today as it was 2000 years ago. What He offers can only be experienced if personally received. Just as you cannot do anything to earn or achieve Jesus’ blessing, neither can another person’s faith earn you favour with the Lord.
So, Jesus says to you today; “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). Are you exhausted from trying, from labouring to make life right? Are you fed up with being unable to earn peace with God? Have the pains of life and separation from God worn you out? Are you exhausted from slaving over living independent of the love of Jesus Christ? Then today is the day to surrender!
I encourage you today, receive the loving care of Jesus Christ as your Saviour and God. “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Once you have received the care of Jesus, you will be equipped to care for others with Jesus care.