For ten years, my Aunt Kathy cared for my grandad in her home. She cooked and cleaned for him when he was able to move around on his own, and then became his nurse as he got more frail and ill.

Her care is an example of what Paul was talking about when he wrote to one group of Christians. He told them that he thanked God for “your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 THESS. 1:3).

My aunt looked after my grandad with love and faith in Jesus. Her daily care came from her belief that God wanted her to do this important work. She didn’t just look after grandad because she loved him, but because she loved Jesus and wanted to serve Him.

And she kept going with hope. My grandad was a very kind man, but it was difficult to watch him keep getting more unwell. She gave up time with family and friends to care for him. But she was able to keep going because she absolutely knew that God would strengthen her each day. She also had the powerful hope and confidence that, at the end of the road, grandad would enter heaven because he knew Jesus for himself.

Whether we’re caring for someone in our family, helping a school friend out or volunteering with church, we can know that we’re working for God in those things. Our lives of caring and serving can be incredible examples of faith, hope and love.

By: Lisa M. Samra

To Pray About . . .

Father, help me to see others’ needs. Please show me how I should look after the people I know who need care and attention. May I live out the faith, love and hope You’ve given me.