Philippians 2:28
“Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that when you see him again you may rejoice and I may be less concerned about you.”
Paul had a shepherds heart that cared about people. Not all have a shepherds heart. God doesn’t expect it. However we are to love others and to do so as we love ourselves. I don’t think this is possible. Why does He say it? The way we love ourselves is a measure. We know how we love ourselves. Others have the same concerns we do. The things we do for ourselves we should do for others, if we can.
Galatians 6 speaks of how we treat others and ourselves. One is a message of self responsibility. Verse 5 says, “Each one shall bear his own load”. We are to work and care for ourselves and our family. If everyone would do that society would be much better off.
However, we run into trouble. Sometimes it’s our own doing. It’s nice to have others help us. If one needs constant rescuing, then there is some shame deserved. Sometimes it’s the shame that corrects them. Today we have a massive homeless problem. There are a portion of those who are where they want to be. Rescuing them won’t help. They have to get to a place where they want help. Giving them assistance prior to that is wasted. It’s difficult to know if we should give money to strangers. I do on occasion, but rarely.
The other verse in Galatians 6 is verse 2, “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” God wants us in community. We are to help each other. Not begrudgingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells how we are to help others, “Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” If we are a grump about it, then we should pray.
Some choose to recluses. This isn’t good. I understand being a homebody and an introvert. Going to extremes isn’t good. We should have friends and meet with them regularly. We should help them willingly. Don’t wait to be asked, volunteer.
Living in isolation leads to depression and some false views. When I would do counseling I would suggest volunteering for some. They were shut in or isolated. Christians should be volunteering more so. God does special work when we are in motion with others.
God wants us to be givers on all levels, money, our times, of our skills and so on. God gives more to us when we are generous. Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
God is our greatest example. “God so loved the world that He gave…” This was massive. All the sins of all time and everyone was laid on Him. No human was capable of doing this. We could have paid for our own sins, but it would have been for all eternity in hell. Jesus was able to take all of ours compressed into a 15 hour period. Billions of people’s sins. God also gives us many blessings through creation and through His blessing us daily. Once in Christ, He greatly blesses those who allow Him to lead. It’s a wonderful life.
Lord help us to care for others and to be generous in doing so. Help us to be responsible for ourselves and beyond. Thank You that were generous with us by going to the cross and saving us. Thank You for leading us and blessing our obedience. You bring us out of ourselves. You clear up our thoughts and attitudes. Thank You.