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.

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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.”

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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.

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?

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!