The following article is adapted from our Keys for Living book, Caregiving: A Blessing, Not a Burden
Read below and see the many different ways in which helping and caring for others reflects God’s own care for us. It’s an encouraging reminder of how God uses you to bless others – and how He uses others to bless you.
“Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”
(Ephesians 5:1–2 NLT)
Reflecting God’s Heart to Others
When you care for someone, you reflect the heart of God who “cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
When you help someone, you reflect the heart of God who is called “my helper” (Psalm 54:4 NLT).
When you welcome someone into your home, you reflect the heart of God who “has welcomed you” (Romans 15:7 ESV).
When you give someone food or help them eat, you reflect the heart of God who “gives food to every creature” (Psalm 136:25).
When you help someone find rest, you reflect the heart of God who “gives rest to his loved ones” (Psalm 127:2 NLT).
When you help someone get dressed, you reflect the heart of God who “has dressed me with the clothing of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10 NLT).
When you provide medical care to someone, you reflect the heart of God who “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
When you help someone who has fallen, you reflect the heart of God who “upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14).
When you offer a gentle touch or supportive hand, you reflect the heart of God who “takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13).
When you help someone bathe or help clean their home, you reflect the heart of God who promises, “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean” (Ezekiel 36:25).
When you help someone who is in danger or troubling circumstances, you reflect the heart of God who is our “ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46.1).
When you help someone find a place to live and feel safe, you reflect the heart of God who is “a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9 NLT).
When you listen to someone tell their story or share a memory, you reflect the heart of God who “bends down to listen” (Psalm 116:2 NLT).
When you sympathize with someone grieving or crying in pain, you reflect the heart of God who promises to “wipe away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).
When you provide loving, wise counsel to someone, you reflect the heart of God who “counsel[s] you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8).
When you simply sit with someone and keep them company, you reflect the heart of God who says, “I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).
Helpful Resources for You
Caregiving Book
Caring for someone is a blessing but can often feel like a burden. This book will show you how to set boundaries, avoid burnout, maintain a positive attitude, and includes practical tips on how to provide compassionate care.
The Care & Counsel Library
A 50-topic, 10-volume library with clear answers from God’s Word and concise, practical guidance on life’s challenges. These are excellent training tools for pastors, counselors, mental health professionals, ministry leaders, life coaches, seminary students, or anyone who wants to grow in biblical wisdom on how to address the real issues of life.
Lifeline Lay Caregiving Training
A 10-session online video training course on the basics of lay caregiving led by our team of professional counselors and ministry leaders. Learn how to provide support and care for others without becoming overwhelmed yourself.