Definition
Biblical care consists of Christ’s love compelling (2 Corinthians 5:14) all members of His body in the local church, according to gifting and calling to pray for and serve all other members (1 Corinthians 12:25) and unbelievers as we have opportunity (Luke 10:29-37, Galatians 6:10), not neglecting the priority of relatives (2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16). This is to be done in the strength that God provides, for His glory (1 Peter 4:11), meeting daily spiritual (Hebrews 3:12-13; Romans 14:19, 15:2), emotional (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 13:11) and physical (Matthew 25:35-40) needs with a transparent (2 Corinthians 1:8-9, James 5:16), unity-seeking (1 Corinthians 12:25, 2 Corinthians 13:11), other-focused attitude (Philippians 2:4).
Who: Everyone in the body is a care recipient (Acts 2:45), with special attention given to those who don’t have any family to care for them, namely widows (1 Tim 5:3) and orphans (James 1:27). Those outside of the body in need that the Lord brings along our path should be cared for (Luke 10:29-37). Care givers consist of all members of the body (1 Cor 12:25, 2 Cor 5:14) with special consideration to the type of care given according to one’s gifting (Romans 12:8) and with a primary focus given to relatives (2 Corinthians 11:14, 1 Timothy 5:4, 8, 16), those that are hungry, thirsty, needing a place to stay (Matthew 25:35) and in close proximity (Luke 16:19-20).
Why: To fulfill the law of Christ (Gal 6:2), to show we are His disciples (John 13:35), to give glory to God (1 Peter 4:11) and because we are members of one body (1 Cor 12:24-25, 27).
How: Love, as Christ loved us (Eph 5:2) with a tender heart, and a humble mind (1 Peter 3:8, Philippians 2:1-4), giving cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7) and serving with the strength that God supplies (1 Peter 4:11).
What: Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), look to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4), pray for the sick and suffering (James 5:13), show mercy (Luke 10:29-37), love (John 13:34-35) and comfort one another (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 13:11)
When: As needs arise (Matt 14:13-21, Luke 10:29-37) as well as daily exhortation (Hebrews 3:12-13).
Where: Wherever the need is (James 1:27).
Scripture List: Matthew 14:13-21; 25:35-40, Mark 10:43-45, Luke 10:27-29; 29-37; 16:19,20, John 13:34,35; 19:26,27, Acts – 2:45; 6; 20:33-35, Romans – 12:6,8; 14:19, 15:2 I Corinthians 12:24-27; 13 ,II Corinthians 1:3,4; 1:8,9; 1:11; 5:14; 9:7, Galatians 6:2,10 , Ephesians 4:32; 5:1,2, Philippians 1:9; 2:2,4; 2:25-30, 1Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Timothy 5:3; 4,8,16, Titus 2:3,4, Hebrews 3:12,13; 10:24,25, James 1:27; 5:13, I Peter 3:7-8, 4:11, 5:1-2, 1 John 3:17, 18; 4:19