“not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:4
Introduction
I believe if we sincerely care for others, many lives in the world can be saved, relationships among the nationalities, races and family can be improved, and inequality can be improved thus making the world a better place.
Too many of us are focusing on our own needs and really do not care about the needs of others. Some of us wants to achieve one thing and that is to enrich ourselves even if it means at the expense of others. Some of us know the gifts and talents of others and may come into possession of information that will help others to improve their condition but rather than sharing that information with the relevant individuals, we take upon ourselves and use that information for ourselves.
Many of us continue to view individuals as by the colour of their skin, their nationality and place of birth and so we tend to care for people of our own colour or nationality. Perhaps it is because people are more comfortable with their own but really and truly we have prejudices and selfishness within us
Caring for someone other than your race – The Good Samaritan
There is a parable in Luke 10 in which a man was attacked while he was on his way to Jericho from Jerusalem. The man was beaten badly to a point where he was almost half dead. A priest passed by and passed the other side when he saw the man. A Levite also passed by and did not help the man but went to the other side. However, when the Samaritan passed by and saw the man. He took care of the man, bandaged his wounds, took him to an Inn and paid for his expenses while at the inn.
The Samaritan did not have to stop but he did because he cared about others. How many of us passed people by in need and don’t stop to help them. Perhaps if that Samaritan did not stop by that man might have died. Therefore the Samaritan saved that man’s life.
The Samaritans and Jews despised each other but yet this Samaritan stopped to help this Jew. Like the Samaritan, if we all play our part in caring for each other no matter the colour of one’s skin, we can save the lives of many.
Caring for someone who is not your family – Naomi and Ruth
After the death of Naomi’s two sons, Naomi decided to return to Judah and encouraged her daughters in law to go back to their home and find new husbands. Orpah took her advice and kissed her mother in law good bye but Ruth stayed with her mother in law. She found favour in the eyes of the Lord and help her mother in law.
This was an incredible thing that Ruth did. Ruth did not have to stay with her mother in law but she cared about and perhaps knew that her mother in law would need her assistance. How many of you will continue to take care of your ex mother in law after your husband died. Some of us do not want to take care of our own parents let alone your mother in law.
Caring for the poor and needy – Dorcas
Dorcas was a caring person by caring for the widows and providing clothing for the needy. I always believe that there are enough wealthy people in the world to care for the poor and needy. If people are generous to the poor, we would not have so many poor people in the world.
The word of Lord says in Proverbs 19:17 “whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord.”
Caring for family that betrayed you – Joseph
Joseph was betrayed by his brothers. However, when his brothers arrived in Egypt due to the famine in Canaan, Joseph cared for his brothers. There are siblings who are not talking to each other. There are children who are not speaking to their parents. However, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers and ensure they were taken care of despite how he was treated.
Conclusion
As we reflect on this article, I encourage all of us including myself to ask yourself these questions. Am I caring for others like God wants us to do? Am I am in a position to improve the lives of others? Am I selfish? Am I withholding information that can help others? Do I care for only my race? Do I care for only my nationality? Do I care for the poor? Do I only care about the wealthy and famous people?
If we learn to care for others, the world will be a better place. I conclude with Galatians 6: 9-10 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”