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As a Christian, I regularly study the Bible and search for scriptural passages that apply to my life. I find that the Word of God offers guidance, comfort, and peace, especially during times of adversity.
Sometimes I get the opportunity to speak to Christian groups about caregiving. I appreciate these opportunities because my presentation extends beyond “the wisdom of Dr. Blight” to the virtue of the Word of God, the wisdom of the ages, as recorded in holy scripture.
There are several Bible verses about helping others. Caregivers have often told me how scripture, prayer, and faith have bolstered their capacity to carry on when things are difficult. They have also shared their favorite Bible verses with me—ones that they connect with on a personal level.
In light of the above, I’ve decided to share some of my own favorite Bible verses for caregiving. Rather than comment on these verses, I’d prefer to let them speak for themselves. Better yet, I’d invite you to consider how these verses may apply to your life, within your particular caregiving context.
These Bible verses about caring for others are listed in the order in which they appear in the Bible (KJV).
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Ruth 1:16-17
16—And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:
17—Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
Psalm 23:4
4—Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Psalm 118:24
24—This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Proverbs 3:5-6
5—Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6—In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Isaiah 41:13
13—For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Matthew 11:28-29
28—Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29—Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Luke 10:33-35
33—But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34—And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35—And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
John 13:34
34—A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
John 14:27
27—Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 21:18
18—Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not.
Hebrews 11:1
1—Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
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The last verse from the Book of Hebrews was also cited in the concluding chapter of When Caregiving Calls: Guidance as You Care for a Parent, Spouse, or Aging Relative. In that chapter, I describe how three levels of faith—faith in God, faith in tomorrow, faith in yourself—can be so consequential to the caregiving experience.
I hope you find something in my above favorite Bible verses that is meaningful to you. It’s important for caregivers to nourish mind, body, and spirit. Scriptures can help.
I’m keenly aware that people of other faiths study different sacred texts, such as the Torah or the Quran, to gain divine insight into their lives. In our pluralistic society, I respect all believers (and non-believers) who strive to live harmoniously according to the dictates of their own conscience.
If there is a scriptural passage—from the Bible, the Torah, the Quran, or another book—that has provided comfort, assurance, or guidance for you in your caregiver role, I would love to hear about it. Please send me an email with your scripture and your story. I look forward to hearing from you.
May God bless you and your loved one(s).
Posted in Caregiving
