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Human Care Devotion

REFLECTIONS ON HUMAN CARE

A Devotion for Two Readers 

Reader 1: “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2: 4-5)

Reader 2: These Bible verses have served as the theme of the Human Care Committee. This devotion is formed around the first letters in the words HUMAN CARE. Reflect with me on the scripture meaning of human care.

Reader 1:   H - Hands
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31: 20)

Reader 2: A woman often extends her arms and hands to those in need, whether it be the extending of a reassuring hug to a hurting child or a friend in need.

Reader 1:  U - Useful
“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (Ephesians 4:28)

Reader 2: Do we steal from God by not wisely using the time He gives us? Perhaps we could use more of our time doing something for someone in need.

Reader 1:   M - Make
“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

Reader 2: Open your heart and mind; listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Keep your hands busy doing helpful things. Make a conscious effort to help others.

Reader 1:  A - Able
“And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:24)

Reader 2: God has given each of us special gifts with which we are able to do what He has called us to do. Let us use our special gifts to do His will.

Reader 1:   N - Neglect
“So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, ‘It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables.’” (Acts 6: 2)

Reader 2: We must constantly seek God’s will in our lives. We must not neglect His Word. We must reach out to others.

Reader 1:   C - Care
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because your must, but because you are willing as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve.” (1 Peter 5:2)

Reader 2: God places certain people and certain circumstances in our lives so that we can show our care and concern. We must be willing to follow His calling.

Reader 1:  A - Action
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2: 17)

Reader 2: How is my faith?  Do others see God in me because of my actions?

Reader 1:  R - Rescue
“Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:4)

Reader 2: Look around. There are many people around us that are weak and in need.  Not only do they have physical needs, but they may also lack knowledge of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. Put all your efforts into rescuing them from the evil one.

Reader 1:   E - Entertain(ed)
“Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” (Hebrews 13: 1-3)

Reader 2: We can reach out to many different people. We don’t even have to know their names. We just need to help (entertain) them, even those who are in prison.

Reader 1: These are just a few of the many verses in Scripture where God speaks to us regarding our service to others. As you search the Scriptures, you may find even more, but think on these as you continue to serve him through your acts of Human Care.

Closing Song: “Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways” (TLH  #416, LW #392,  or LSB #707) 

Taken from the Spiritual Resources section of “With Care and Compassion” available on CD and in Book form from the LWML catalog.