TOPIC: CARE IS THE CHARACTER OF THE TRUE GOSPEL
Paul was not a caring person. In fact, he was once a killer who consented to the death of Stephen.
However, when Paul was transformed, everything changed. He became an advocate for love and care for the churches.
Acts 8:1-3(KJV)And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Care is a sign of a transformed life. It doesn’t matter whether you are naturally a caring person or not.
There is a character we, as Christians, need to develop: the character of care.
Rom 9:1-4(KJV)9 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises.
Greetings, acknowledgment and honoring everyone’s grace should be a way of life of apostles.
Rom 16:1-16(KJV) I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you
Care is the nature of God. Ex 3:7(KJV) And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Care is the foundation of the Church – Acts 6:1-4 (KJV)And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word
The commitment to prayer for those who help you and serve under you.
1 Cor 16:19-24(NLT)19 The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. 20 All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with Christian love. 21 Here Is My Greeting In My Own Handwriting—Paul.22 If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come! 23 May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.
Their welfare, care and love.
Col 4:7-18(NLT)7 Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 9 I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here.10 Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. 11 Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been!12 Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 13 I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis.14 Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. 15 Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.16 After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them.17 And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you.”18 Here Is My Greeting In My Own Handwriting—Paul
He is always inquiring about the well-being of others – advocating for love and care within the church community.
Paul’s commends Epaphroditus – Phil 2:25-30(NLT)25 Meanwhile, I thought I should send Epaphroditus back to you. He is a true brother, co-worker, and fellow soldier. And he was your messenger to help me in my need. 26 I am sending him because he has been longing to see you, and he was very distressed that you heard he was ill. 27 And he certainly was ill; in fact, he almost died. But God had mercy on him—and also on me, so that I would not have one sorrow after another.28 So I am all the more anxious to send him back to you, for I know you will be glad to see him, and then I will not be so worried about you. 29 Welcome him with Christian love and with great joy, and give him the honor that people like him deserve. 30 For he risked his life for the work of Christ, and he was at the point of death while doing for me what you couldn’t do from far away
He cares deeply for the spiritual well-being of those who work alongside him, while also showing concern for their physical needs, as seen when he advises Timothy in 1 Tim 5:23(NLT)23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
Collection of food for donation to other churches – 1 Cor 16:1-4(NLT)16 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.
Encouraging love within the hearts of the brethren – Rom 12:9-18(NLT)9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. 13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.14 Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. 15 Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
Gal 6:9-10(NLT)9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
Paul worked with his own hands to support himself, not out of necessity, but to set an example for others.
Acts 20:33-35(NLT)33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. 34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. 35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.
We are called to open our hearts and homes to the poor and destitute, yet we are often too unconcerned.
Rom 12:13(NLT)13 When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
We don’t reach out only to our ourselves .
Matt 25:34-40(KJV)34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Before you pray an agonizing prayer to anyone , there must be love in your heart.
Phil 1:4-5(KJV)4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;
John 15:13(KJV)13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Peter returned to his own company – company of love and care. – Acts 4:23(KJV)23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
Owe no one anything except love – Rom 13:8(KJV)8 Owe no man anything, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
Our friendship is deeper in Christ.
We are not on the level of just taking advantage of ourselves.
Luke 10:30-35
Sacrificial love – I don’t care where you come from – your church, your tribe or race, we all belong to God
