You can care about someone or something without caring for him or her.

One is passive; the other is active.

That’s not to say that you have to make a grand gesture to show that you care for someone. There are many ways to care, from large to small. Sometimes the smallest things can seem enormous when someone is in need of care. Simply getting a note or text that someone is thinking of you when you struggle reveals a level of care, because that person displays care for you even when you are not standing in front of him or her. You are remembered.

Saying we care, that we’re willing to help, or that we’re praying is easy. It’s the follow-through that goes beyond words that takes time and effort. That’s not to say that if we don’t take action at a specific time or in a specific way, we don’t care. We can’t do all things for all people. But we can do some things for some people. We can trust that God weaves our lives together and we work together to care well, even when we can’t see all the care that’s happening around us. We can trust that God cares even when we feel separated from others, ignored, and overlooked.

Be active in your caring–both giving and receiving. Invite God to guide. Instead of responding to someone the way you would want to receive care, consider how that person would want or need to receive care and, more importantly, how God is guiding you. Be generous. Care abundantly.

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2