Showing care when it hurts

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed. (NIV) Isaiah 53:5

A tale is told of a young man who boasted to do anything requested by his fiancé. The lady asked something really unusual and selfish from his man: “I want the bleeding heart of your mother”, she said, with a charming wink. Thinking he was in love, no sooner had he heard her speak than his readiness to kill his mother for her blood- stained heart just to impress his so- called new lover. While returning to his fiancé, he slipped and fell heavily to the ground with the beating heart rolling through the dust. Then in a stillness of breath, suddenly came a caring, motherly and slow tone of the following words from the bleeding heart- “I hope you have not hurt yourself, my boy”-how great is a mother’s love even when it hurts.

Now, and beyond mere stories, is the mention in Scripture of the price to be paid by the Savior of the world. He was to suffer untold pain and to selflessly give Himself up for the world’s sake. And so it was fulfilled when the time was due and God sent His son into the human realm (Galatians 4:4). The great sacrifice of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 20:28) should give us enough encouragement. And we as His followers cannot retreat or abandon our duty post but to imitate Him.

Thus, through Holy Scripture, we are to walk in the steps of our Master (1 Peter 2:21) by living, and suffering as he did. Our suffering may be the letting go of our pleasures, conveniences, extravagance, abundance, stinginess, selfishness. Yet again, we may produce great results in showing care by actively sharing generously; showing active concern towards the needs others, recognizing what the Lord has given to us freely, and being confident towards the effusive promises and blessings from the Lord as He has promised- for He is always faithful.

And till we feel the heavy burden of the needs of others and till we become bearers of such burden, our effort may likely be only a minuscule.

Have we labored enough in showing care? And are we constantly bearing each other's burden according to the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2)?

Lord increase our faith! Amen.

Be careful of your friends but, are you a friend yourself? || More