As I spent time out of
town helping my sister recover after surgery, I began to reflect on what qualities
caregivers exhibit most during their time with those they minister to. Notice I used the word “minister”.
For the Christian, being a
caregiver must include not only acts of kindness and mercy, but also walking in
the Spirit.
There is a woman in Scripture who comes to mind when I think of good works and charitable deeds. In Acts 9:36 Luke tells us about Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was loved by many and was known for making colorful garments. Dorcas cared for those around her by sewing tunics and sharing them with the less fortunate. When she became sick and died, it was Peter who prayed for her to be revived as a testimony to God’s resurrection power.
There is a woman in Scripture who comes to mind when I think of good works and charitable deeds. In Acts 9:36 Luke tells us about Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was loved by many and was known for making colorful garments. Dorcas cared for those around her by sewing tunics and sharing them with the less fortunate. When she became sick and died, it was Peter who prayed for her to be revived as a testimony to God’s resurrection power.
In I Corinthians 12:28 the
gift of “helps” is listed as essential for the church to function as God
designed it. There is a diversity of
Spiritual gifts and callings, but one Spirit.
A gift of mercy and hospitality is necessary in the Body of Christ to care for the flock of God.
Here are a couple of interesting
statistics from the 2009 study funded by the MetLife Foundation for the National
Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP:
-
Half of
caregivers say their loved one lives in his or her own home (51%), while 29%
live
together
with their care recipient.
-
Half of
caregivers (53%) also say that their caregiving takes time away from friends
and other family members. Those who have sacrificed this time with family and
friends are far more likely to feel high emotional stress (47%) than are those
who have been able to maintain the time they spend with family and friends
(14%).
There are many in the
nursing profession that will tell you that it is their “calling” in life. Nursing is the quintessential service oriented occupation. It is one based on selflessness and sacrifice. The gifts of mercy and compassion flow effortlessly. I am convinced that there are natural gifts
and God ordained gifts that are given to each believer in order to enrich the lives of others.
Patience, longsuffering and gentleness are three of the Spiritual fruits that are often evident in caregivers.
When the Apostle Paul
tells us in I Corinthians 13:1-3 that love is the greatest gift, verse 7 lists
how difficult loving can really be.
Endurance is the key to bearing up under the weight of love that is
tested and tried. If we have not love –
we have nothing to give that is of importance.
Paul also emphasizes in
Ephesians 2:10 that we have been created in Christ Jesus for “good works” which
God engineered and prepared for us in advance.
As we draw on our God-given strengths, we are challenged to demonstrate our fruits (Galatians 5:22-23).
Women generally don’t have an issue with caregiving – but I have become acutely aware of the fact that I may not always extend the same mercy, longsuffering or patience to my spouse as I would with someone else. I have been convicted of that very fact since I have returned home to my daily routine and responsibilities.
Women generally don’t have an issue with caregiving – but I have become acutely aware of the fact that I may not always extend the same mercy, longsuffering or patience to my spouse as I would with someone else. I have been convicted of that very fact since I have returned home to my daily routine and responsibilities.
My husband deserves the
same care and concern I would show for any other family member in need. So why do I often dismiss his needs, but run
to help someone else?
May God continue to help
me prioritize and submit to His plan for utilizing my caregiving gifts at
home. I don’t want to discover later on
that I let my own agenda sideline God’s plan for being a loving and care
centered wife in my own household.
Can I get a witness
here? Do you struggle with caregiving in
your family and at home? What helps you stay God-centered as you minister to
your loved ones?
Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.
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