God Cares for Us All

The first persons in space went all alone, one at a time, in capsules just large enough for one person. Never before had a human being been so far away from other persons. Did this mean that such a space traveler was one of the loneliest persons who ever lived? No, indeed! Why? Because others let him know that they cared. There were literally millions following his progress, interested in where he was and what he was doing, mentioning him in prayer, and wishing him well.

Though we live our own lives, encased in our “private capsules”, so to speak, we need the supportive, personal care of others. Care is as essential to human life as food and drink. There are no more despairing words than these: “Nobody seems to care.”

Three times the risen Christ asked Simon Peter, “Do you love me. . . ?” And each time Peter answered, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” “Tend my sheep,” was the Lord’s response (John 21:15-17, NRSV). To be a disciple, a follower of Jesus, means to care for others. But how? Care is not general goodwill toward humanity. It must be specific. Jesus’ own example shows his attention to individuals: He lifts a child up to eye level. He selects a particular person in a crowd for a word, a touch, or a shared meal.

When I ask myself, “Who needs caring?” the obvious answer is everyone. But when I ask, “Who needs me to care today?” certain persons come to mind. If not, I need to start with prayer. Praying is the beginning of caring. A small but surprising list of persons appears in my thoughts. Some are lonely, aged, weak, or in trouble. Some are successful, important, young, and strong. As my prayers reach out to them, I think about what each may need. The answers vary: a letter, a phone call, a smile, a bowl of hot soup, money, healing, an introduction to another person.

Of course, I can’t do everything. But that doesn’t mean I should do nothing. I can’t care for everybody. But that doesn’t stop me from caring for somebody. I can’t keep track of everyone I know, but I can try to respond to those in special need. I might assume that a widely known and respected person would not want or need or appreciate my care. Not so. Once a popular bishop had to cancel a scheduled event because of a blizzard. The only other available date was on a holiday. “But we wouldn’t want to bother you then,” said the parties involved. “Please don’t say that,” he answered. “Nobody invites a bishop on a holiday. Everyone thinks we are with somebody else.” No one is too important to appreciate care, or to know sadness when others forget.

But the most important thing to remember when caring for someone is: We are never left all alone to care for another. God cares. God’s concern for the other person’s well-being was there long before we became interested. God’s care is stronger, wiser, and more enduring than ours can ever be. But people often understand and experience God’s care most deeply when it is transmitted through caring human beings. The loving God cares for us all. This same God calls us and empowers us to care for others.

Here at Stonebridge UMC, we have many ways to show others that we care: Prayer Ministry, Hospital and Homebound Visitation, Card Ministry, Stephen Ministry, Care Team (meals) and Threads of Hope. But these are just a few of the many ways that our congregation takes care of not only our own members and guests, but our extended families and our community. We are always looking for new people to join us in these caring ministries. God calls each of us to care for one another. How are you going to show God’s love today?


In Christ's Name,
Dina Steiner