Showing concern for others can make a difference. How does it make you feel when someone shows sincere concern for you? I believe most people feel uplifted when someone is concerned about their life. We often become discouraged when no one notices when we are struggling.
The Apostle Paul gives us insight into the importance of concern for others. Philippians 2:4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. [1] Often we are oblivious to those around us who are struggling unless God opens our eyes.
Showing Concern for Others is a Gift from the Lord
Nehemiah was a Jew living in Babylon with a very responsible job of being the king’s cupbearer. Then something happened in his life that would forever change him. God gave him a heart for the people of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 1:1In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa. 2 Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. 3 They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” 4 When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.[2]
We don’t think of showing concern for others as a gift from the Lord, but it really is. Nehemiah’s concern for the people of Jerusalem was truly a gift from God and it changed how he viewed the situation. He could have easily heard the report about Jerusalem and said that was too bad and moved on. Instead, Nehemiah’s heart was stirred with compassion for those in Jerusalem.
Ask the Lord to Open Your Eyes to the Needs of Others
As you pray ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs of others. As the Lord transforms your heart, you will no longer focus just on yourself. In addition, you will begin to see opportunities all around you to make a difference in the lives of others. You will also discover that there is great satisfaction in helping others.
Galatians 6:2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 3 If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. [3]Recognizing the importance of others around you is life changing as you begin to see treasures in your life that you did not see before.
To hear more about showing concern for others, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-call-sending
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.