Caring For People In Need - ebook

Caring for people is one of the simplest expressions of following Jesus—and sometimes one of the most difficult. You do not need to be a pastor, counselor, physician, social worker, or professional caregiver to make a meaningful difference in someone's life. Sometimes the most meaningful ministry is not having the right answer.

It is being the person who stays.

This book is designed to help you become a wiser and more compassionate Christian caregiver. Throughout these pages, we will repeatedly return to a simple distinction:

You are called to care faithfully.

You are not called to control the outcome.

Some of the situations discussed in this book are serious.

We will talk about:

grief, illness, mental-health struggles, suicidal thoughts, abuse, addiction, financial hardship, medical concerns, caregiver burnout, and crisis.

You Will Not Always Know What to Say

That is okay.

You do not need perfect words to offer meaningful care.

As you read, ask:

Who has God placed in front of me?

What would the compassion of Jesus look like in this person's life?

You may care beautifully and still watch someone struggle.

When that happens, return to this truth:

The offering is yours.

The outcome belongs to God.

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

—Matthew 9:36

Compassion begins with seeing.