Care Component

There has been growing concern within me about the need to care more effectively for people. As a Christian, I am responsible for helping people satisfy their most critical need, which is to know Christ. But, I must also be mindful that I don’t qualify to speak to that need unless I see their most immediate felt need and truly care. We need to love people in such a way that they see that our concern is for their total health and well-being.

I have been reading a lot about pastoral counseling and care. One thing that is very clear is that many church leaders could do better when it comes to the hurts, hang-ups, and bad habits of others. I don’t believe the problem is that we don’t love people. It actually takes love to tell people about the one who love them most. I believe that it’s simply more challenging to mine out the reasons people are not finding success in their lives. Often these types of issues are deeply seeded in people’s past and perceptions.

For instance, a spiritual leader could be speaking to a young lady about the Heavenly Father who loves her. That young lady may have been abused by a father figure, and by default is attributing that character to God. It would have been helpful for that leader to know that information so that the greater message is not lost in her past pain. That is the importance of care and concern for people. Some people will not be able to hear the glorious gospel if they have their own needs screaming in their ears.

The truth is, it’s not only about helping those whom we serve; it is also an acknowledgement that we too need care at times. With the increase in scandals around spiritual leaders it is obvious that they need care also. Pastors are people too. There are pastors all over the world that feel insecure and guilty because their lives don’t fully match their messages. Not because they are bad people, but because no one allows them to deal with their own wounds. We expect ministers to be super-human and don’t give them the time and attention needed to be good Christians, spouses, parents, etc. Then when they are exposed, we crucify them instead of gently allowing them to recover.

We must do a better job caring for people. From those who have yet to receive Christ to those who are the visible leaders, people need care. The thing I love about God is that we are never too far to from His grace. He sees all of our deepest needs and still desires our affection. He doesn’t run from the ugliness in our lives, and always desires our freedom. Jesus came to set us free from not only our sins, but also all things that keep us captive. "The Lord's Spirit has come to me (Jesus), because he has chosen me to tell the good news to the poor. The Lord has sent me to announce freedom for prisoners, to give sight to the blind, to free everyone who suffers…” Luke 4:18(CEV) We would do well to follow His example.