Some years ago, the University of Illinois conducted an experiment in which two pens of pigs were weaned and reared in different environments. One pen of pigs received no handling except for feeding, watering, and pen cleaning. The pigs in the second pen were treated much better. They were played with and petted for at least 15 minutes each day by their caretakers. The end result of the experiment? The pigs that received the tender, loving care of their handlers thrived much better than those who were ignored. Caring attention, even in the life of a hog, does make a difference!
We all need care. As followers of Jesus, we must follow his example and care for not only people we know or people like us, but also for all people. It will make a difference in their lives and in our own lives.
A Cause for Care
Years ago at John Hopkins University in Baltimore, a young sociology professor assigned his class to interview 200 boys in one of the city slums. "On the basis of your findings predict their future,” he instructed the class. Shocked at what they had seen in the slums, the students estimated that 90% of the boys they interviewed would someday serve time in prison.
Twenty-five years later the same professor asked another class to locate the survivors of the 200 boys and to compare what happened. Of the 180 boys, they could find only 4 who had ever been to jail.
Why had the predictions by the earlier class proven false? A common denominator was sought in their lives, some value or influence that could have made the difference. Through more interviews it was revealed that over 100 of them remembered having the same high school teacher, Miss O'Rourke, who had been a tremendous influence on them at the time.
After a long search, Sheila O'Rourke was found in a nursing home in Memphis. When asked for her explanation, she was puzzled and replied, "All I did was love everyone of them."
Our love can shape the destiny and course of the lives of the people with whom we come into contact. We must be aware that love is a powerful force that has very real effect on people. A simple loving word or deed may be the difference between life and death, success and failure, or a healthy or destroyed life. The young boys that came into contact with Mrs. O’Rourke were positively influenced. The people who met Jesus were also changed for life. What happens to people who meet you? Is your life making a difference in the lives of those around you? You can affect change in others if you will choose to love every one of them.
Convenient Care – Jesus Style
Jesus Made Himself Available to Others (Luke 7:1-10)
Have you ever met someone who wouldn’t give you the time of day? Maybe you have gone to a concert or a special event to see someone famous only to be disappointed because you were unable to get to them. Jesus was famous. Everywhere he went great crowds would follow him. But Jesus made time for people. Even when he was exhausted he would make time for those who wanted to see him, touch him, and speak to him. Do you make time for those around you?
Jesus Was Sensitive and Sympathetic to Others’ Feelings (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus was sensitive and constantly aware. He was very conscious of the feelings of those around him. On more than one occasion Jesus, without being asked for help, would stop what he was doing and help. He went out of his way to help those in need. He was concerned about the feelings of others. He was moved when they were hurt. He defended those who were being laughed at, mocked, or singled out publicly. We must become sensitive and aware of the feelings of those around us. We are called to be compassionate towards them.
Jesus Dealt Personally With People (Luke 7:18-23)
Don’t you hate those phone systems where you don’t ever get to talk to a real
person? Recording after recording but no human. We expect, desire, and need personal attention. Jesus became personally involved with people. He knew their names, their situations, and their needs. He was a personal person. He was touchable. Even small children had access to him.
Jesus Reassured Others of His Love and Acceptance (Luke 7:36-50)
Those who came into contact with Jesus didn’t have to question if they were loved. He let people know they were cared for and needed. Even while others were ridiculing and attacking Jesus, he would show love and compassion to the individual. There were no outcasts in Jesus’ eyes. He let them know that they were important to him. When you talk to and interact with people, do they feel needed, accepted, and loved?
My Commitment to Care
Four scholars were arguing over Bible translations. One said he preferred the King James Version because of its beautiful, eloquent old English. Another said he preferred the American Standard Bible for its literalism, the way it moves the reader from passage to passage with confident feelings of accuracy from the original text. A third man preferred Moffatt because of its quaint, penetrating use of words, and the turn of a phrase that captures the attention of the reader. After giving the issue further thought, the fourth scholar admitted, "I have personally preferred my mother's translation." When the other scholars chuckled, he responded, "Yes, she translated it. She translated each page of the Bible into life. It is the most convincing translation I ever saw."
There is an old statement that says, “You may be the only Jesus a person ever sees.” People are looking for someone who can show them Jesus by their actions and their attitude. We must become Christians who will bring the Bible to life by the way we talk and treat those around us. It won’t always be easy. Some people will undoubtedly get on your nerves. However, with Jesus’ help we can make a commitment to care for those with whom we come into contact. Every time we are tempted to be rude, snappy, or sarcastic we must take a moment to gather ourselves and to respond like Jesus would respond. When Jesus was faced with a situation where he could have responded angrily or hatefully, he said nothing. What do you say and do?
Love talked about is easily turned down, but love demonstrated is irresistible. We can sit in our sanctuaries and our youth rooms and talk about love all day every day, but it will do no good. We must learn to put action to our words. It isn’t enough to just talk about the love of Christ. We must become a living example of that love. Make up your mind that you will become irresistible.
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