What is our mandate regarding caring for those who are struggling? In our family devotions last night, Andrew read from James 1, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” (v.27) We discussed as a family what kind of care we are called to give to orphans and widows, and what other marginalized groups might be included in their numbers.

I recently read the words of Jesus in Matthew 25 where he pronounced a positive judgment on those who are blessed by the Father and inherit God’s kingdom, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” Then he pronounced a negative judgment on those cursed by God, sentencing them to eternal fire, “For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.” The repeated application for both, “As you did (or did not do) to one of the least of these my brothers, you did (or did not do) to me.” (Matt. 25:40,45) Sobering words!

The other passage I’ve been considering in view of my aging mother and Holly’s aging parents, and the increased care they require, is found in 1 Timothy 5:8. In a section where Paul challenges Timothy and the church to care for widows, particularly those who have no family, for those with family should be cared for by family members, as he writes, “But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

I’m thankful that my sister is happily engaged in my mom’s life, since they live on the same property in Kentucky and enjoy a great relationship. We are the closest relatives to Holly’s parents, so our responsibility seems clear that we are to offer whatever care her parents require, which we are happy to do, although oftentimes much wisdom is necessary in what that will look like.

But what about others in our society and in the world? What about the homeless, the poor, prisoners,  those who are mentally or physically ill, those who struggle with disabilities, outcasts from our society in one way or another? America offers many safety nets that are not present in other countries, particularly in Africa. What about those folks… who cares for them? Jesus made clear in Mark 14:7 that our first priority is to draw near in relationship to Christ, and then to do good for the poor and struggling flowing from that relationship. I think this is part of what Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

I just finished reading the book of Job in my devotions, and there is a lot of attention given to Job’s terrible situation and care offered for a hurting guy. Much of it was BAD care, and so it offers an instructive tool in what not to do and say, primarily from Job’s three initial friends. For a Gospel Coalition article on three mistakes to avoid when helping others, CLICK HERE. 

One of the challenges we face is that care for hurting people takes time, energy, and resources. We must step away from our hurried schedules, and slow down enough that we don’t just “toss a bone” to the one in need, but where we truly enter their world enough to listen and learn and consider what is most needed. Short term mission teams can notoriously show up on a scene, quickly offer some temporary relief, and then blast off feeling good about their contributions with stories to share back home. But would Jesus have us do something more, something different? Books have been written and ministries created trying to address this issue, and I certainly won’t solve it here. I believe there is a place for short term teams, for relief efforts, for a variety of care options for the hurting. But biblical principles must guide our hearts, minds, and hands as we offer assistance.

Among other principles, we want to do good “unto others, as unto Christ.” In this I see the Gospel interwoven with practical assistance offered, spiritual and physical help going hand in hand, just as Jesus offered in his ministry on earth. Another principle is working closely with local caregivers and empowering them rather than having a “I’m gonna save the day” mentality. As we draw alongside those who are on the scene, day-in and day-out, we can be part of a longer-term helpful solution.

Another thought comes from a book I just finished reading called “Love Kindness” by Barry Corey, president of BIOLA University. He talks about the ministry of presence, just being with people when they are hurting as an act of kindness. Small gestures can mean the world to someone who is in pain: a personal card with an encouraging note, a meal brought with love, doing yardwork for the elderly couple, offering a prayer, and many other simple ways of expressing love and concern.

Those who are gifted by God’s Spirit in mercy and helping others should be writing this blog instead of me, because admittedly this is a growth edge for me. But I see Jesus’ heart, and the value of caregiving in God’s Word, so I want to grow. Perhaps this season of caring for Holly’s parents will provide many opportunities.