What if I cared for you the way you care for me? But then, maybe you’re caring for me the way I’m caring for you.
How’s it really working?
When you’re going through hell, am I drenched in sweat? Do I smell like sulphur?
When I receive the greatest news I’ve heard in twenty years, are you as excited as I am?
The same care.
If you are down and out, how can I offer a tired, worn out cliche? Is that the kind of care I’d want? If your heart is breaking, would you prefer I pull up a chair and listen? Or, should I dig out my book of pat answers?
I don’t always want someone around me when times are tough. So maybe we’d better not guess at what the “same care” means. Maybe it would be best to articulate to each other what we mean when we say to each other, “Will you care for me like I care for you?”
Having the same care for one another isn’t as simple as an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. It isn’t necessarily equal exchange. You know, I gave you $20 when you needed money, so when I need money you give me $20. That’s not what I’m talking about; and I don’t believe it’s what Paul was referring to either.
Different parts of the body have different needs, but they each require the same care.
Think of it like this. If I’m to care for my body each part has to be energized, motivated, to get involved. My hands are involved in helping care for my teeth, my feet, and my hair. My teeth, feet and hair each receive the same care only it looks different. Sure, I brush my hair AND my teeth, but in a different manner. I wash my feet and my hair differently. But each receive the same care.
Some people (parts of the body of Christ) need more care than others. But it’s still the same care. I wash my hands several times a day, but I don’t trim my finger nails but maybe once a week.
But they each receive the same care.
So, five things to ponder…five things to ask ourselves.
Do I care for others in the way they need cared for?
Am I caring because I’m obligated; because they helped me before?
Have people cared for me as though they really knew what I needed?
How do I care for others?
Have I ever used a toothbrush to brush someone’s head?
Have you?
“…God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”
(1 Corinthians 12:24-26 ESV)
The same care.
Jan Grace 