CARE FOR ONE ANOTHER

Part 2

"But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:17-18).

This week we continue the rest of the 31 points about caring for one another--in our home and out of the home.

16. CAR. Offer a lift to someone who doesn't have a vehicle so they can do their shopping, go to church, or visit (Romans 12:11).

17. CHILDREN. Make a point of encouraging each one of your own children every day. When visiting with families take time to talk to the children as well as the adults (Proverbs 10:21a).

18. COURTESY. Good manners show that you care for people (Proverbs 11:16; Luke 4:22; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 Peter 2:8).

19. CORRESPONDENCE. Always be ready to write and encourage someone. Write a card, letter, email, or Facebook message. Don't forget family members (especially grandparents) who live in a different city or country. And don't forget those on the mission field (Proverbs 25:25).

20. CREATIVITY. If you have a talent or hobby, use it to bless others (Matthew 25:14-30; Acts 9:36-42; Romans 12:4-8).

21. CUDDLE. Hugs do wonders for husbands and children. And other ladies you meet (Proverbs 12:10).

22. CAPTIVITY. Remember to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters who are being persecuted (Hebrews 13:3). Two hundred million Christians across the world are currently suffering from some form of persecution and over 100,000 Christians are murdered each year for their faith. If we were being persecuted, we would certainly like to know others were praying for us, wouldn't we? We like to use the book, Praying Through the 100 Gateway Cities of the 10/40 Window at our Family Devotions each evening. It gives information of the most needy cities in the world and how to pray for them.

23. CONSISTANT PRAYER. Prayer will accomplish what nothing else can. Don't give up praying. (Luke 11:6-10; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; James 5:16)

24. COMMITMENT. Be committed to your husband, your family, and to the saints of God--today, and in the weeks and months ahead (Psalm 16:2-3).

25. CO-OPT. Call upon others to help you when you minister to needy situations. Enlist your family. Don't try to do it all by yourself (Romans 16:3-5, 7; Philippians 1:5; 2:25; 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; Philemon 1, 23-24).

26. CHARITY. Charity begins at home, but doesn't end there. Pour out God's love on your husband and children, but take His love to hurting people outside your home, too (John 3:16; 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 10:33; 1 John 3:14-18; 4:20-21).

27. CONTINUE. Keep loving, serving, and blessing people, even when you receive nothing in return. Don't get weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3;13).

28. CHECK. At the end of each day, check to see if you have spoken words of encouragement to your husband, your children, or to someone God has put upon your heart (Hebrews 3:13-14).

29. CONCILIATE. Try to be a peace-maker, rather than having a reactionary spirit (Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 3:8-11).

30. CONTENTMENT. Give thanks for all things, but don't expect thanks for all that you do. Your reward is in Heaven (Ephesians 6:5-6; Colossians 3:22-24).

31. COURIER. Take an Above Rubies magazine to a friend, a neighbor, or keep some in a plastic bag in your handbag to give to mothers when you go shopping. Be a courier that spreads the good news (Psalm 60:4).

After you have looked up the Scriptures for each point for the last two devotions, you may like to share them with your children too. I am sure you will find it a great blessing to use these life-changing Scriptures at your Family Devotions. It is important for your children to embrace this vision of caring for one another and make it your family lifestyle.

You will become a caring family with a vision for caring for the world around you, too.

 

NANCY CAMPBELL

www.aboverubies.org

 Resources: http://tinyurl.com/Pray10-40Window

                 http://bit.ly/EncourageYourChildren

PRAYER:

"Lord, help me live from day to day
In such a self-forgetful way
That even when I kneel to pray
My prayer shall be for OTHERS."

~ General William Booth

 

AFFIRMATION:

Instead of selfish, I want to be caring,

A life out-poured, and never sparing.