Caring relationships empower us to make a positive difference in someone's life?

The entirety of scripture is seasoned by caring relationships.

GOD LOVES US

In the beginning, God provided the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8) for the first couple, where He fellowshipped with them in the cool of the evening.

Jesus promises, at the end of life and the end of time, to take us to His Father’s house, where He will be with us and we with Him, and there will be no more fears, tears, wars, or goodbyes. (John 14:1-4, Revelation 21:3,4)

Between the beginning and the end, God is the caring shepherd (Psalm 23), the gardener (John 15), and the protector that covers his loved ones with his feathers (Psalm 91). He is the caring, providing Father (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:6), the comforter (2 Corinthians 1:3-11), our healer (Isaiah 53:4, 5) and guide (John 16:13).

WE LOVE OTHERS

Beyond God caring for us, we are told to let his care flow through us so that we love and care for one another (John 13:34-35), for those in need (Matthew 21:31, 46), the widow, the orphan (James 1:27), to restore the sinner gently (Galatians 6:1), and even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).

Yet we wonder, are we offering the best care?

Having a theology beginning with a loving Creator and extending to people caring for one another, most Christians and churches desire to care for others and hope we care in a way that makes a difference in someone’s life. We thrive when we are in caring relationships. 

Yet, most people in churches still struggle to care effectively. Many people care in their own way, doing what comes natural to them. Some ministries offer specialized staff, narrowly focused programs, and siloed ministries to target needs. This leaves the average Christian feeling uncertain about their caring abilities and what role they can play in caring for others. At the same time, church leadership is exhausted with the efforts it takes to establish, manage, and sustain ministry programs. While these efforts are taking place, people in need of care are falling through the cracks when they are unable to find a siloed program that addresses their specific need.

How can we offer the best care?

I am preparing the 7 Essentials for Caring that Makes A Difference, a guide to the best practices of care so that everyone can be engaged and confident that they can care in the way that makes a difference in someone’s life.

These 7 Essentials are the best practices of caring for people. They exist throughout the Bible from beginning to end. Each person who learns them and masters the skills to use them will be more effective in their efforts to care for people. There is a way to care for people and at the end of this learning time, everyone will know the essentials and better how to use them.

THE SEVEN ESSENTIALS  Simple. Not easy.

1.   THE NATURE TO CARE Are you a caring person?

a.   You can’t give what you don’t have.

b.   Start here.

2.    A FOCUS ON OTHERS People matter.

a.   Everyone has a story.

b.   How many stories do you know?

3.   YOUR PRESENCE You matter.

a.   Do you feel God’s presence?

b.   Your presence is valuable beyond measure.

c.   How can someone feel your presence?

4.    EXTREME LISTENING Listen before talking. Sometimes, don’t talk at all.

a.   We live in a telling culture.

b.   You haven’t listened until the one talking feels that they have been heard.

5.   PATIENT PERSISTENCE Be in it for the long haul.

a.   You can’t care in a hurry.

b.   Recovery takes a lifetime.

6.   SAFETY GUIDELINES Caring relationships are valuable. Handle with care.

a.   Don’t do this alone.

b.   Follow the rules.

7.   BE READY The “Good Samaritan” was.

a.   Opportunities happen.

b.   They interrupt the norm.

THE OTHER CHAIR An example. Everybody can do this.

I can't wait to get these into a complete and user friendly package so you can use them, but until then, I'm eager to come to you! Email me at dan@bestcareministry.com.