Who Cares for the Caregiver?

Being involved in the ministry of caring for hurting people can be exhausting. There is no shortage of heartache in our world, and the number of men and women seeking help continues to grow month by month. This is to be expected, as the Bible tells us:

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power… 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (NASB)

The trend of those seeking care will only increase if the Lord tarries. The harder the hearts of men and women grow, the more complicated the sinful issues become; often immersing the biblical counselor into a cesspool of undesirable information. This information is necessary for us to help our broken and sin-sick counselee’s, yet, it exposes our hearts and minds to things that bring us grief, sorrow, and even temptation to know more or understand things we are better off not pursuing.

Unlike our secular counterparts, we do not look at the issues our counselees bring as medical problems, but as issues of the soul. Therefore, they are personal to us. The people are important to us. We come to love them with Christ-like love as we enter into their suffering and sorrow, whether they be the victim or the one whose sin wreaks havoc on a marriage or other relationships. This is because we are part of the same Body, and are united by the same Spirit in Christ.

Seek Friends Who Will Care for You

We care for them, but who cares for us? This is an important thing for us to consider, for we are not islands. We too have burdens, and some of them are heavy. Who cares for you, biblical counselor? Who ministers to you, people helper, confidant, discipleship partner or friend?

Of course, primarily we lay these weighty matters at the feet of our Lord, but I strongly believe we need to surround ourselves with those with whom we can share our load. Fellow Christians who can help us and show us when our own thinking is clouded by concerns. Friends who will direct us to paths of righteousness when we get wobbly and more worldly than we should be.

We have to be willing to admit we need this kind of care and ministry without fear of man creeping in. Silence and secrecy combined are the perfect environment for sin to flourish in. Have no fear, bring the Light to bear on your life.

Beginning a New Week

It’s the first day of a new week of people-helping. It will be another busy one, and will bring many new hurting souls to your door. Be sure you take the time to connect with a strong sister in Christ who will remind you of truth, pray with you for strength and wisdom, and help you watch for pitfalls of sin in your own life. Seek someone with whom you can be genuine and open about your own struggles. Be willing to be vulnerable, that is one of your best defenses against pride and calamity in your life.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)