Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

I think that God is pleased anytime we care for others or give of our time and effort to tend to their needs, particularly when they are unable to care for themselves or to reciprocate our efforts (as with children or the elderly), and even if we might not receive what might be regarded as adequate thanks or recognition for doing so.

Jesus spoke about such situations in passages like Luke 14:12-14:

"When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” 

Although not exactly pertaining to the situation of caregiving, the principle is the same -- we will receive an eternal reward for giving of ourselves to others, especially if they cannot immediately reciprocate our efforts.

In the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31:10-31, many of the tasks that the woman performs might be considered as actions that would be expected of her in her service to her husband and her children, and yet her children call her blessed for performing them, and her husband tells her, "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." I think that the inclusion of this passage in inspired Scripture indicates that God also looks favorably upon the actions described, and that such giving of ourselves will be rewarded in eternity.

Jesus also said in Matthew 10:42 that anyone who does even such a small thing as giving a cup of cold water to a child out of Christian love and service will not lose their reward for doing so. That being the case, then unselfishly caring for another (especially over a prolonged period of time) shall also be rewarded. 

Finally, although we are saved entirely by God's grace through faith in Christ, Jesus also made clear in His discourse on the Last Judgment in Matthew 25:34-40 that those who put their faith into action by providing for the needs of others will be especially commended in eternity for doing so.

March 18 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report