VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON
Caring For Others
By Pastor Mark Taylor
“I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no one that would help me: refuge failed me; no one cared for my soul.” (Psalm 142: 4)
It's always a good idea to look back over life and think about the people who have made a difference in our lives: People who helped us in a time of need. People who blessed us: Opened new doors for us; Helped us grow; Imparted new wisdom; Made us more than we had been before.
There is someone today that needs for you to be that person to them. God has sent them in your pathway to care for. This could include meeting physical or emotional needs. It certainly includes sharing your faith and bringing people to Christ.
There are some barriers that may be keeping you from being that person that God wants to use to care for someone today.
There is “The Barrier of Indifference”. When some people see others who have a need, they say to themselves: “That is their problem and it is none of my business”. We may not be able to “solve” their problems, but we can show them we care with kind words, a word of prayer with them, or a small act of kindness. When someone shares a problem with us the least we can do is be a good listener and not another person who rejects them. Selfishness or apathy is not the proper response to those who love the Lord. He is a loving and giving God who hears you and cares for you.
God cares for us and listens to us. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.”
(Psalm 34:15).
“I love the Lord, because He has heard my voice and my supplications.”. (Psalm 116:1).
There is “The Barrier of Judgement.” There may be times when we see someone hurting because of wrong decisions they have made in their lives. We may be tempted to tell them “I told you so!” or think in our minds that they deserve the consequences of their poor choices. If you have this type of temperament, you will miss the opportunity and blessing of “caring for others”. It is true that most people who are hurting and in need have made the wrong choices in life, and are indeed “reaping what they sowed”. But, if you are a child of God and have the Holy Spirit in you, you will have an attitude of compassion instead of judgement.
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37).
There is “The Barrier of Non-Involvement”. or “Let Someone Else Do It”. When God puts the opportunity in front of you to care for the needs of someone else, He aligned you with that person so you can help them. If you choose to walk by the person who needs your care, they may not receive help, because God has chosen you to help them.
Helping and caring for others is not a one way street. You cannot care for someone else without God repaying you many times.“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, by no means, will you lose your reward.” (Mark 9:41)
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will men put into your lap. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38).
Then there is “The Barrier of Timidity” - I’m too afraid to care or share. Here are some of the fears that some people have when they are asked to care for someone else:
"I am afraid I might do more harm than good."
"I don't know what to say."
"I may invade someone’s privacy."
"I am afraid I might fail."
"I am afraid I might be rejected."
When you feel fear remind yourself of God’s promises:
"The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?" (Psalms 118:6)
"Do not fear, for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness." (Isaiah 41:10).
Someone needs you today. Someone needs to hear about the love of God and the Gospel Message of Jesus. This is caring for their soul.
There are some Christians today who need someone to care for their souls. They need someone to remind them of how much God loves them and all the great things He has prepared for them.
“But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
Will you Care for Someone’s Soul Today?
