No one really knows completely the meaning of ‘caring for others.’ Only until the day comes when they themselves are needing ‘someone’ to lean on. When things happen in the lives of someone who normally ‘hesitates to burden others,’ even though he/she realizes that others need him? He jumps to the place where he maybe can help. It takes a kind/warm/attentive heart to pick up the signals of others’ needs. At times there are NO signals—just a magnetic heart that responds to ‘depth’ rather than logical emotions. Those who are not speaking with lips, but still ‘airing’ silently actions that are being picked up by someone close. We may go as far as labeling them ‘silent words’ or unspoken words, which require NO volume. (All of us may know humans likened to that description). I must write—those people have a gift, only given by God. It is natural for them to ‘hear the situation without words.’ To determine a path forward over and above what a map or something written by man can do.
I look to the Scriptures to check and see what it has to say about these questions before assuming something. (Wisdom comes quickly when we ask, knock, and seek for it.)
Proverbs 19:17 KJV He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again. 1 Peter 4:10 KJVA As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Hebrews 6:10 KJV For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. Proverbs 22:9 KJV He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Galatians 5:13–14 KJV For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. John 13:34 KJV A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Philippians 2:3–8 KJV Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Leviticus 25:35 KJV And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Acts 20:35 KJV I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. Proverbs 11:25 KJV The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Matthew 5:16 KJV Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Ephesians 4:32 KJV And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Note: I found 168 of these verses that give the ‘keys’ to answering my thirst for answers (from the past).
by Robert D. Anderson
Fruit of The Spirit- Garden 