Knowing and Caring

Caring or Knowing?

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.” Matthew 5:1-2 NIV

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
― Theodore Roosevelt

Jesus had a huge following and the first thing he says to the thousands collected on the mount was: Blessed are those who mourn, the poor, the meek, the merciful, the peacemakers and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. He went on to tell them they are salt and light. He fed them. Throughout his travels, he asked, “What can I do for you?” God served. Encouraged. Loved. He demonstrated care and then knowledge even to death.

First, we need to take in how much the Father cares for us. The enemy will throw everything possible to keep you stuck but we can’t help another until we truly realize the love and care the Father has for us. The Prodigal Son story is a dramatic and caring example. The stay-at-home, judgmental and jealous son too. Haven’t we been both?

Here are some painful examples of knowing but where is the care?

Parents punish and shame their children because their self-image as a parent has been tarnished by their children’s actions. Children are learning—mistakes will be plentiful.

Marriage. Duties or caring? Taking each other for granted. Enter divorce with plenty of blame.

Bosses who punish harshly and don’t care about the employee’s training and welfare. Numbers! Bottom line. Enter burnout.

Politicians on election day. Promises made. Promises broken.

The eternal voicemail loop when seeking assistance. On hold for hours. Dismissive and shaming customer service reps.

Do they care?

Do they know?

Chances are, they know.

But the tremendous differences when care is demonstrated are remarkable, with a little grace and patience!

A private intimate conversation with an employee with specific instructions and goals.

A hug after a timeout with a child whose lip is quivering. “Let’s see how we can…”

A married couple gives space to each other and comes back together to understand each other when the intense emotions have lessened. Seek communication counsel.

Time. Time is the most precious thing we have and the thing we spend foolishly. But it’s the biggest part of love. The biggest healer. The biggest part of care. It opens the heart to learn and know. It’s safe. Secure. Caring. Loving.

Musings

I may be poor, disabled or lacking in knowledge but I can still care. Our Father will guide us because he told us we will ask him, “When did I feed the hungry, visit the prisoner, give a drink?” And He answered. Every time we do this, we show care, which softens the heart, opens the ears and maybe introduces a lost one to our Savior.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for caring and knowing. Thank you for spending 24 hours each day with us. Help us to pause and remember care comes first and then knowledge or information. We are such dutiful and driven people, but in the long run, care accomplishes something greater. In eternity the only thing that will remain is Love. Care is a big part of love. Time is a big part of love. Listening is a big part of love. Action.

Amen.