Care For Others I Peter 5:7 I. Introduction. A. Amid the pursuits of this life, it is often difficult to find time to notice others, their needs and their cares. B. A company advertises their product: When you care enough to send the best."(How about: to do your best?) C. Care(Greek words): Being thoughtful; forethought and interest; earnest care(not anxiety). D. It is not always easy to take careful thought for others, their cares, their needs, their anxieties, etc. 1. Yet--this is what Christians are to do--especially for other Christians. 2. This goes beyond asking, "How are you?" 3. Real interest and care comes from the heart--with a willingness to help others. II. Body. A. God cared enough for us to send his Son to die for us. 1. Jesus cared enough to suffer that death: Matthew 26:39, 42. 2. Paul summed it up: Romans 5:7-8. a. He did for us what we could not do for ourselves. b. Have you experienced someone helping you because of something you could not do: remember the feeling? 3. Peter said it for us: I Peter 5:6-7. a. God cares about us! b. Do we care about Him? c. The greatest sacrifice that could be made for you and me and every human. B. Jesus set an example of care while upon the earth. 1. The Son of God was touched by the death of another's loved one: John 11:35. a. Others were also consoling: John 11:31. b. Mary had faith in Jesus: John 11:32. 2. Christ felt a deep affection for Lazarus: John 11:36. 3. Jesus care continued at the tomb: John 11:38. 4. His care led him to do what could be done--he raised Lazarus. C. Jesus taught lessons of caring while on earth. 1. The heartless cruelty of thieves and robbers left a man to die: Luke 10:30. 2. Two "religious" persons came by the injured man: they did not care, but: Luke 10:31-32. 3. A man of compassion happened by: Luke 10:33- 35. 4. Jesus was responding to a question when he related this account: Luke 11:29. 5. The earlier question is interesting; Luke 10:25. 6. After the illustration of Jesus: He asked a question and the man answered: Luke 10:36-37. 7. A caring person believes in and practices mercy: "He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness": Romans 12:8. D. The early Christians were taught the necessity of caring. 1. An earnest concern for the welfare of others was evident: a. Included having Christians in one's thoughts: Philippians 4:10. b. One who cared truly(genuinely) for others: Philippians 2:20. c. No hypocrisy in these and their concerns. 2. Paul's care about brethren reached beyond only a few: II Corinthians 11:28. a. Rejoiced in the progress of all of God's people. b. No jealousy, no envy, no animosity--just genuine concern. 3. Proper caring for others will aid in avoiding division: I Corinthians 12:25. a. Had discussed the many members of the body(with varied abilities). b. Illustrated: I Corinthians 12:26. c. If my care is limited to only those close to me, I am wrong. d. Those who care grow closer; those who do not--isolate themselves. e. Lack of caring has caused many problems in God's churches through the years. 4. Earnest caring for others is contagious! a. Refreshing brethren believe and practice: II Corinthians 7:12-13. b. It was reciprocated: II Corinthians 8:16. III. Conclusion. A. Do I care enough to do my best? B. Do I care enough to help others do their best? C. Do I care enough to obey the Lord in everything? -James L. Yopp