Ask yourself: what makes one person sensitive and caring, and another harsh and insensitive when both have grown up in the same environment? Has anyone cared for you in your time of need or have you cared for another person in their time of difficulty? I remember when we lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana and our van stalled along a busy highway. Soon after that a woman stopped and asked us if we needed some help. Her assistance was very timely and helpful as we had three small children. In many places in Scripture the Lord calls us to care for one another. I have selected two verses I believe indicate how important helping others is.
Ephesians 4:32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. [1]
John 13:34So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” [2]
Selfish or Caring?
As Paul witnessed in the city of Thessalonica, and many people began to follow Jesus, Jews were jealous of Paul’s popularity. These angry Jews stirred up the people creating a mob and riot. The situation grew intense as the mob went after a fellow believer named Jason. Their target was Paul and Silas, but as emotions ran high, they grabbed anyone they could. Believers of Thessalonica sensed that Paul and Silas were in danger. God used their caring hearts and guided their actions. Acts 17:10 That very night the believers sent Paul and Silas to Berea. When they arrived there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.[3]
What can turn a selfish, uncaring human being into a compassionate, sensitive person who can empathize with others? This kind of transformation can only happen through the power of God when the Holy Spirit enables faith in Jesus. This is what happened to those fellow believers who cared for Paul enough to send him on to Berea for his own safety. Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [4] Hope in difficult times is often given by the caring actions of fellow believers.
To hear more about Paul, listen here: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/hope-in-persecution
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.