Carina Francke

Scripture: 1John 3:17, 18: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." 

Caring has an inseparable twin brother walking with him side by side. His name is Action. Caring flows from a heart filled with love and love has to express itself in actions. Taking into account James' shocking remark that if faith is not accompanied by actions it is dead, it actually means nothing if we say we care for people and we don't DO something for them.

When Jesus' love for people finds expression in emotions it is far more than a sentimental feeling - it is a practical love, a practical caring for people.

Jesus took pity on people, he had compassion for them - an emotion peculiar to people. His compassion, though, is an outward manifestation of His Godly caring for people and that is why He is compelled to do something about their circumstances: He feeds a crowd of 5000 who has been without food for days (Matthew 15); He hears the desperate cries for help of two blind men and He gives them back their sight (Matthew 20); He dries the tears of a broken hearted widow when He resurrects her only son on his way to be buried. (Luke 7)

But Jesus also cared for people with reason or mind. With His last breath at the cross He prays for his executors:“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34). His love and care does not allow Him to let them live their lives without forgiveness.

His caring reaches beyond his death - He establishes a mutual caring relationship between His mother and dear friend John (John 19:26).

You are allowed to desperately call out to Him to shine light in your dark circumstances and you may ask confidently for your piece of bread for today. He cares and He WILL take action because His love for you is the trigger.

The question you have to ask yourself is: Do I care enough for my neighbor to be Jesus for him and take action? Or do I prefer emotionally driven superficial meetings with people? Then listen to John's words again, "Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth."

Prayer: Father, my caring for people is very often only an emotion of pity.  Give me a constant awareness of Your presence and involvement in my life, and open my physical and spiritual eyes to such an extent that people's needs will be as if it is my own needs that have to be met. Amen