My focus for the month of October has been love and kindness. I started with sharing about God’s glory in the heavens. Then I shared about loving God’s unique design through learning disabilities. I began with sharing Why intentional care matters. Last week I shared about kindness and Sweetest Day, including a personal story about the importance of marriage over the event of the wedding. These all tie in to my final contribution today in celebration of National “I Care About You Day” which takes place annually on October 25.
The fact that this national day was instituted in 2016 makes a bold statement about our society. We need to be reminded to show affection and kindness to each other. Telling and showing people that you care about them promotes mental wellness and emotional health. These are things we all need to lead happy lives. Let’s dive in to see how we can live out ”I Care About You Day” every day.
Love in Action
As Christians we are called to live with love for one another. John 13:35 states this clearly, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (usccb.org) God clearly calls us to love each other. Afterall, He created each and every one of us. What’s not to love? Sure, not one of us is perfect. Sometimes that can make it harder to love another person. It could be that we see our imperfection in them, or that for some humanly reason, we think they may be of less value than we are.
If we lead with love, as a dear friend of mine teaches, it will show in our everyday actions. Love is kindness to a stranger, forgiveness for someone close to us and encouraging words to a co-worker having a hard day. Look around you. Where do you see love? Where can you provide more love through daily actions?
Speaking Life with Words of Care
As Proverbs 16:24 reminds us, “Pleasing words are a honeycomb, sweet to the taste and invigorating to the bones.” (usccb.org) Oftentimes, we don’t think before we speak. This is one of the simplest and easiest ways to show that you care. When you ask someone how they are doing, don’t treat it like a greeting. Be genuine in your ask by truly listening to the answers. Offer follow-up questions to show concern. Offer kind words as sympathy or to demonstrate understanding. Here are some other ways to care by speaking life:
- Speak Gratitude
Always thank a person. It doesn’t matter how small the act is, gratitude brings joy to both you and the person you are thanking. It is nice to be appreciated.
- Speak Compliments
Offer compliments to lift someone’s mood. Ensure they are genuine. Simply saying they have a beautiful smile or that color looks good on them may be the highlight of their day.
- Speak Encouragement
Be the one to encourage others. Use phrases like “You’ve got this,” “I believe in you,” and “You’re stronger than you think.” If you know the person well, use more specific language about resilience, progress and support.
- Speak Hope
It is all too easy to get wrapped up in negativity. Be the one to speak hope. Remind them of the good to come. Remind them they can make choices for the better.
- Speak Faith
Whenever the opportunity arises, speak faith. Make it relevant to the situation. Share your own story. Share Scripture.
When you speak life to another person, you are showing them that Jesus is present. You are showing them that they are loved and cared for. Galatians 6:2 reminds us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (usccb.org)
Jesus’ Example of Compassion
Jesus is the ultimate example of showing someone you care. Afterall, He died on a cross for us. Jesus led a life of service to others which included healing, listening, caring for the overlooked and feeding those in need. He did not judge on class or perceived merit. His example was that of a person who walked with compassion, He saw each person as someone of value regardless of wealth, lack of wealth or job. He loved people who were afflicted with disease the same as someone who wasn’t.
Follow the example of Jesus and interact with people as if you were looking through God’s eyes. This reminds me of the song by Brandon Heath, “Give me Your Eyes.” I invite you to listen to the song and pray the words of his pre-chorus and chorus (genius.com):
[Pre-Chorus]
All those people goin’ somewhere
Why have I never cared?
[Chorus]
Give me Your eyes for just one second
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missin’
Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten
Give me Your eyes so I can see
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Practical Ways to Show You Care
There are many practical and easy ways to show other people you care about them. I am sure if you took a moment to think about it, you could create a list that you could incorporate into your daily routine. Here is a start:
- Check in on neighbors
- Encourage family and coworkers
- Pray with someone
- Acts of service
- Be present and attentive to a family member
Matthew 25:40 guides us and our actions, “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (usccb.org)
The Power of Presence
Today’s society teaches us to go, go, go. We have screens everywhere demanding our time and pulling us in. People are missing out on true human interaction and connection. They forget what it feels like to be loved and appreciated. Sometimes just saying “I’m here” is truly needed. Be present. Be aware of the other person. Also, let them know and feel that they are more important than that video game or that social media post. Nothing says “I care” like the gift of time.
Faith in Daily Life
When celebrating National “I Care About You Day,” consider intentional love as evangelization. It is living your faith in everyday life. God commands us to love each other. Jesus became the greatest example of “love your neighbor.” Utilize action over words. We often say that actions speak louder than words. This means that meeting people’s basic needs is a powerful form of evangelization. This aligns with Jesus’s teaching, “And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40). Remain relationship-focused. Remember to build trust and authentic connections with people, rather than just being a stranger who preaches at them. It is about being present in their lives, listening with empathy, and sharing your own life in a way that builds bridges. Remember that effective evangelization comes from a heart filled with God’s love, not a sense of obligation or duty. This motivation is seen in the Apostle Paul’s writings, where he stated that “Christ’s love compels us”. Be compelled by God.
Intentional love also involves making sacrifices. These can be as simple as sharing your time and comfort or as profound as being vulnerable to rejection. This is a reflection of the love Jesus demonstrated by giving his life for us. Evangelization is a part of our everyday way of life. It happens in regular opportunities to help and serve others. Be open to these opportunities at work, in the community or even within family relationships. Mother Teresa is a great example of this kind of selfless love.
Let’s Pray
Gracious God, thank You for showing us how deeply You care for each of us. Teach us to express that same love through our words and actions. Give us courage to speak life and tenderness to show compassion, so that others may experience Your care through us. Amen.
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