Concern

<<empathy>>

reveals our empathy with those suffering and may give opportunity to share Christ with the lost, as I contemplate their eternal destiny if they don’t repent and believe. Jesus was so concerned about the all-inclusive death penalty on the human race He came to earth and paid the price that we might be forgiven. During His time on earth He showed concern for many people, including the multitude of people who had been with Him three days without eating (Mk 8:1-3).

Righteous Job was concerned about and took spiritual responsibility for his children (Job 1:4,5). Fathers, as head of your home and family, do you regularly pray for the spiritual condition of your children? Paul said, “We have not stopped praying for you…” (Col 1:9).

Martha was agitated that her sister was not helping her prepare food for the guests but was giving her full attention to the teaching of Jesus. His words to her were, "There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and I won't take it away from her" (Lk 10:41,42). While there are numerous necessary obligations that require our attention we need to maintain the right priority. Single people can have a greater focus on spiritual matters with less distractions and concerns than those who are married, yet it is up to the individual's commitment (1 Cor 7:32-34).

Anxieties will rob us of peace and cause us mental distress; the Bible's solution is to bring all our concerns to God in prayer "casting all our cares on Him' for He knows our needs (Mt 6:31,32; Phil 4:6,7; 1 Pet 5:7). In fact, Jesus said our priority is to be towards His Kingdom and living righteously, and He will ensure these other issues will be taken care of (Mt 6:33). Do I have a genuine concern for those presently outside the Kingdom of God? How am I intentionally witnessing to them with the gospel? Paul said he was compelled by the love of Christ to preach the gospel (1 Cor 9:16).

See also: burdens, compassion, empathy, needs, sympathy, welfare.