Settle in: Take a deep breath. Think of someone in your life who might need extra care today. Ask God to help you be his hands and feet to that person.
Scripture reflection:
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV slowly:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 NIV
Let’s break it down:
- Love is patient and kind.
- Love is not envious.
- Love is not boastful or proud.
- Love is not selfish or easily angered.
- Love forgives freely.
Thought starter
Selfishness says: “What’s in it for me?”
Indifference says: “Someone else will take care of it.”
Pride says: “That’s not my problem.”
But Jesus says:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Luke 10:27 NIV
What God wants from us is love, not knowing the right answers or having perfect behavior. We can make a big difference in people’s lives by caring for them, and we’ll actually feel refreshed when we do.
Here’s what we’ll learn in this Quick Quiet Time:
- Care connects us with God and others.
- Self-focus freezes our hearts.
- Compassion melts our hearts and motivates us to act.
Care connects us with God and others
Read:
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Matthew 25:40 NIV
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NIV
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12 NIV
Truth bomb:
Caring isn’t just a feeling. It’s a decision to act.
- When we see someone in need, it’s easy to look away. Sometimes we think we have too many of our own problems, or we assume someone else will help.
- But God calls us to be his agents of compassion.
- There’s a connection between our care for others and our care for God. When we serve others, we’re serving God.
Pray:
Pray about this verse:
The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 NLT
Start your prayer like this: “God, help me to experience the joy of helping other people. Don’t let my self-focus make me miss opportunities to care today.”
Parable focus: The Parable of the Good Samaritan
Before you continue, read Luke 10:25-37 (NLT) in its entirety. Circle, highlight, or write down any words that stand out to you.
Jesus tells of a man beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Temple assistant saw him, but passed by. But a Samaritan—someone considered an outsider—stopped, cared, and sacrificed to help.
Jesus asks:
“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?”
Luke 10:36 NLT
Mic drop moment:
This parable shows that care has no limits. True compassion looks past differences and focuses on the need in front of us.
- Caring is an act of love. It’s about being present, listening, and helping—without expecting anything in return.
- The Good Samaritan didn’t just feel bad. He acted.
Reflect:
- Who is one person I know who might be hurting or struggling right now?
- How can I be more like Jesus and less focused on myself?
Action step:
Write down your answers to these questions:
- Who is one person I want to intentionally care for this week?
- What is one simple action I will take to show that I care?
Final thought
Not caring freezes us in place. It stops us from taking action.
Self-centeredness cuts us off from the joy of serving others.
Compassion melts our self-focus. Service begins when we look beyond ourselves.
Bring the inspiration with you
Save this phone wallpaper to remind you to show extra care today!
