Caring

I Peter 5:7(NASB)  casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.   This is a very familiar Scripture, appearing on cards, posters and bulletins.  It is easy to get familiar with the words and keep on worrying.  But basically, this reveals the very nature of our God.  He is loving, merciful, protective, and generously providing for our needs.  Jesus said He would never leave nor forsake us.  The Comforter was sent to be with us always.  If the Creator of all things is with us, what do we need fear?

The generosity of God is beyond our comprehension.  Before man was created, provision was made for the continuing well-being of mankind.  Everything needed for food, clothing, shelter and contentment, as well as forgiveness of sin, were provided.  While we were "yet sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans 5:8)  He has expressed His caring in so many ways throughout the ages, we see caring as part of His identity.  Since time began, there has always been those who sought Him and worshipped His loving care of them.  God has always loved all mankind, but with Abraham He cut a covenant and promised a nation and a Redeemer.  The nation, Israel, was to be ruled by Him and be under His protection.  They were to so identify with Him, that they would be a witness of His love, power and care.  Their witness would prove He was Almighty God, the Creator and Sustainer of all life.  But not willing to stand against all other nations to fulfill God's desire for them, they sought to be like all the other nations and have a mortal king.  Except for a remnant, they became like all the rest of the world and turned to idols and their own desire.  When Jesus came to our realm and manifested the Father, not even the ones who "followed" the law of Moses, accepted Him or even acknowledged He came from the Father.  His sacrifice birthed the Church, which was also hated by those who hated Jesus.  Until the Church drifted away from expressing the love and protection of the Lord, they manifested the Light and Power of the Creator and walked in His Love.  Only a remnant continued in proclaiming His love and provision; the rest sought to be like the world around them.

The word for caring is translated in some versions as "giving attention".  I sometimes use the word "focus" to convey caring.  The word "caring" conveys a dedication to observing the needs and desires of someone else as more important than your own, and a desire and ability to do something to meet that need with an attitude of joyful participation.  Mothers have to focus on the needs of their infants, caregivers have to focus on the needs of patients unable to express their needs, and God has proven He has a focus on our needs before we know or recognize them.  The "bottom line" of caring is an unselfish love and desire to meet the need even if it means personal sacrifice.  Caring for the needs of the unfortunate demands a generous spirit and a desire to express compassion.  Because we are created to be in His image, we are exhorted to have and express to all around us the Love and caring that He has shown to us.  The love and generosity of spirit to give care when it costs you dearly, is an expression that must come from His Spirit dwelling in us.  By this shall all men know we are His disciples!