Caregiving is not an easy calling regardless of whom one is caring for—be it an elderly parent or a small child. While it comes with challenges, some rewards exceed anything earth has to offer. What does the Bible say about caregivers and the act of caring for others? Read on to learn more.*
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them— not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” - 1 PETER 5:2-4
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good.” - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:11-21
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” - HEBREWS 6:10
“ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” - JEREMIAH 29:11
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ ” - MATTHEW 25:40
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” - MATTHEW 6:34
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - PSALM 121:1, 2
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - PSALM 23:1-4
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” - JOHN 15:12, 13
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” - 2 TIMOTHY 1:7
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - ROMANS 8:28
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” - GALATIANS 6:9
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” - ROMANS 5:3-5
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” - JOHN 13:3-5
“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - MATTHEW 20:28
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” - MATTHEW 25:35, 36
“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” - MATTHEW 10:42
* All Bible verses are taken from the New International Version.
