“…He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
One of the hallmarks of the work of Jesus was to bring peace - Peace between God and man, peace to our hearts and in all our relationships. He did this, not just by preaching eloquent sermons (although he did), nor by doing great miracles (did that too), but by caring for people. He is the Wonderful Counselor (to sit with), Mighty God (can handle it), Everlasting Father (dad) and the Prince of Peace (who He is). The shortest verse in the Bible, “Jesus wept” (John 13:35) sums up how Jesus cares for people.
“…He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one…” Eph. 2:14
How Jesus cared for people (us) should cause us to want to be caring as well. caring for others brings unity (peace) to all our relationships. We show care to others by being:
HAPPY FOR THEIR SUCCESS…
“Rejoice with those who rejoice…” Romans 12:15a
To “rejoice” literally means to be happy, glad or joyful. In this case, for someone else. And what do people rejoice over? Fortune and favor - generally all of God’s blessings. Another’s success can be a test of our hearts. If someone in your circle does well and you don’t care, it speaks volumes about you, and it to says something to them. What it says is you care more about yourself than for them, which does not bode well for lasting harmony.
“Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:16
Peace is more important than petty envy over a friend’s blessings, or selfish ambition for our own success. If want peace, then we must empathize (to feel) with those we care about. Empathy is a vital aspect of care.
AND HURT FOR THEIR SETBACKS…
“…Mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15b
Sometimes it’s the simple things that say a lot and mean a lot. If a loved one isn’t doing well and you don't care, you actually add to their pain. This is something Jesus never did, nor would He do. This is how peace is supposed to work, God comforts us, we comfort one another.
“…The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4
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