Community Care is a Community Charge

by Danielle Stephenson

Caring for others is an essential, natural part of the life of a believer. Paul tells us to “outdo each other in doing good” (Romans 12:10). On the spectrum of wellness, giving of yourself to care for another as a believer is what we do (living sacrifice). Caring is an action towards supporting the welfare of someone, whether that be oneself or another. Yet as humans, we must balance the care for others with a care for ourselves. We cannot pour from empty cups, so how do you address the various stages of fulfillment you may go through in living out our calling? 

We first must remember that we are to depend on the powerful and faithful Father for our strength.  “Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.” (Psalm 42:11) The attitude of this Psalm from David is that of questioning: where is God and what do I do with my grief? Yet in that questioning, David places his hope in the only thing worth placing it: salvation. Remembering to turn to God first (and always) is the best form of “self-care” we as believers can do, keeping our hope in God. 

Turning to God and knowing that our hope is secure, we know that we can praise Him in the midst of anything and He will receive it. He will refill our cups, and in so we can fulfill the Great Commandments: love God and love people. Thus, the charge to care for the community – whatever that looks like for you – is more than possible. NAAMC strives to embody that level of care for its missions community and network across the world. True wellness for a believer is not self-centered but self-giving – in time, love, energy, and resources – living daily to serve others in obedience and worship to God. It may seem counterintuitive, but if our calling is to serve, it means we should take care of ourselves in order to be in a place to take care of others. This is a holistic perspective of true wellness, in that we’re not aiming to be self-centured be altruistic. 

Be encouraged to reflect on what it means to care and be cared for, and take a moment to pray: “Lord, how can I give of myself today as an act of worship and demonstration of care?” Then be ready for the opportunities that open up around you!