Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 13, 2020
So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. 1 Corinthians 12:24-26, NLT
The most compassionate, creative ideas in our house originate with my caring wife, Rita. Yesterday was no exception. She prepared four care packages (treasures we already had lurking in closets, cabinets, and the dark recesses of our basement and garage) for our children and grandchildren. Childhood necessities: books, stickers, stuffed animals and toilet paper (right?)! Quarantined at home, their “cabin fever” invited any interesting party bearing gifts/goodies.
What I discovered was any excuse to hang out with the ones we love most was worth the small effort to travel around town (Atlanta traffic was sparse) over six hours. I walked the creek with three of our adventurous grandsons, delightedly watching their imaginations run free as they excitedly showed me: the panda forest, the mud pit, the dead bridge tree and the alive catapult tree. Care packages show love to those we love, while in the process we are lavishly loved!
Paul introduces this compelling idea of care for others as the joy and job description of every follower of Jesus. He then illustrates this tender care with the intricate composition and the intense sensitivity of the body. How the pinnacle of God’s creation, the human body, is the best example of how the spiritual body of believers in Christ care for one another. Pain is a reality of the spiritual body—fear, aloneness, sickness—when one suffers everyone is sad. In contrast, honor is an equal reality of the spiritual body—love, respect, reward—when one is honored everyone is glad. Christians are spiritually connected to one another to care for one another.
“When others are happy, be happy with them. If they are sad, share their sorrow” (Romans 12:15, TLB).
What care package can you create for someone else? Maybe a handwritten note of hope for a friend who lost her job. Perhaps a text of thanksgiving to someone who makes your life better. Or, an email with some uplifting scriptures of hope to a colleague drowning in sorrow. Video conference with friends you have missed meeting with in person for encouragement and accountability. Care packages can be tangible things or can be a stream of prayers to our loving, Almighty God on behalf of those in great need. Be glad with the glad, and be sad with the sad!
Above all, turn to Christ for His care package of hope, love and peace. If your hope is slipping onto life support from life’s smothering situation, in prayer inhale the living hope of Jesus. If you feel unloved and alone, silently embrace the Father’s faithful love and His ever presence into your life. Chaos and confusion may have commandeered your mind and heart, if so, by faith, immerse yourself in the Spirit of peace, who longs for you to be still and to sit still. Heaven’s care packages carry on now and forever. Humble your heart and receive God’s good gifts.
“So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him” (Matthew 7:11, NLT).
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for caring for my heart during this crisis, so I in turn can care for others, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What care do I need to cast on the Lord? Who needs a care package from me?
Related Reading
Psalm 55:22; John 13:34-35; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:7
Here is a helpful resource during these days of grief, sorrow and uncertainty: A Little Book of Comfort
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If your hope is slipping onto life support from life’s smothering situation, in prayer inhale the living hope of Jesus. #care #wisdomhunters #truth #Jesus
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7 minute music video- Mack Brock:
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