Be Careful to Truly Care for Others Today

Scripture

Our verse for today comes from Acts 5:35, “And he said to them, ‘Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do to these men.'”

Background

Be careful. We’ve said and heard those words a thousand times, so much so that we don’t give them a second thought when they’re uttered. But what do they mean? Not much, really, unless you know what the situation is. Being careful driving in the snow is completely different from being careful while chopping onions. Wanting your husband to be careful on the ladder while cleaning gutters carries a different weight than wanting your child to be careful pouring the milk into his cup. Many times being careful means don’t get hurt. Often it means don’t mess up. But how often does it drive us to be caring about someone else? Would that be “do careful” rather than “be careful?” If you challenged yourself to be careful how you treated people today, what specifically would that entail for you? Certainly it would go beyond the egocentric manner of treating others well so that you would benefit from it, no? And if you accepted the challenge, how much prep work would you put into it before you faced the day and the unexpected challenges to your goal? What might you rehearse to help ensure your words were all positive rather than how they might ordinarily sound? What would you look for in those you encountered to be reminded of their worth and value?

Application

We really do need to be careful in how we interact with the world and the people in it, for they are definitely being careful in their ways. But the care they are taking is of a different kind. They are careful guarding their feelings, making their point known, trying to get the best, be the best, look and sound the best. They are working for today and tomorrow with no concern about eternity. They value controlling their destiny and deciding what’s right for themselves. And underneath these desires and motivations lies the soul of a person who needs care. But what does that mean? What does it look like? It will depend on the person, and the prep work. A heart surrendered of its own agenda opens itself to serve others in the name of Christ. Someone less concerned with checking all their own boxes is able to check a few for someone who might not even know they needed it. So be careful today to show you care.

Charge

As we seek Him today, live the golden rule, and whatever else will aid in your ability to reflect the love of Jesus.

Editor Comment: In a culture obsessed with self-protection, this devotional reminds believers that true carefulness is measured by how well we love and serve the people around us.