Are You Someone Who Cares?

To determine if you are someone who genuinely cares about relationships and people, consider honestly surveying your own life.

I find it quite alarming to know how many of us are not good listeners. What were we doing when dating and in betrothal?  Was anything discussed that mattered to the future? We all know that much is learned after the “I Dos”, but the listening should have been something fine-tuned long before.

“Oh, huh? What did you say?” is the prevalent response when asked a question.   We are preoccupied. Active Listening is a lost skill. Listening to understand is the purpose. Or is it?  Some people listen to understand, not just to respond. That shows that they value the thoughts and feelings of the other. 

If we show this listening action consistently, things are bound to flow in a positive and helpful way (direction). Making those small and reliable decisions shows the other person more than we can tell. Intentional and thoughtful actions show you and I care. …for instance, remembering your spouse’s favorite snack or being there when they need you. 

People who care offer emotional support on some level. They make space for your feelings and care for you through tough times, demonstrating that they are available to give specific attention to your well-being. 

The good intent ones engage in meaningful conversations and remember the small details you share, indicating they value your perspective. 

Selfishness has grown too high for us to see over. How many people (including you) do you see taking advantage of the other?  Marriages are some of the major institutions that are floundering because of the lack of care and attention given to basic needs.

People who care perform acts of kindness, big or small, showing that they care about your happiness and well-being. There are a few books out there that would describe this as an “act of kindness”.

If you notice these signs in yourself or others, it may indicate that you care about relationships with people and are willing to put in the effort to maintain them. 

Who would it benefit if people were more intentional about loving people without always needing repayment, an in-kind gesture or some form of compensation?

Does anyone care about folks in this manner?

GOD Does. Unions and families are nothing without His Ways and approaches.

We Do. We care about your marriage. We want you to hold up your end of the marriage you promised to serve and support.

To "care for someone" generally means looking after their well-being, both physically and emotionally, often involving providing for their needs and showing affection. This can encompass a range of actions, from practical tasks like providing food and shelter to offering emotional support and understanding.

Caring for people can be the folks we call spouses, neighbors and family. It could be someone at your local assembly or a stranger you met while visiting another person during a hospital stay or visit. 

Caring will resemble providing for physical needs. This could even look like ensuring someone has access to food, shelter, clothing, and necessary medical care. It might involve cooking meals, cleaning, doing laundry, or assisting with personal hygiene.
In a broader sense, it can also mean providing financial support or helping someone manage their finances.

Does that sound a bit extreme? Maybe, but people need different things at varied times.

Caring will sometimes resemble offering an ear or emotional support on some level. This encompasses being a source of comfort, understanding, and encouragement. Again, it can mean listening to someone's concerns, offering words of support, or simply being present during difficult times.

I say again… Marriages are some of the major institutions that are floundering because of the lack of care and attention given to the basic needs.

Does that sound scary and uncomfortable? Yes. That will require is to get out of our comfort zones. Showing empathy, patience, and kindness are parts of the Fruit that come with the Spirit of Yeshua (Jesus). If you proclaim Him as Lord, this is part of being a fully devoted servant of His.

Caring will open us up to being affectionate and loving that will push us out of our comfort areas. This could mean saying "I love you," giving hugs, or simply spending quality time together. It also involves appreciating and valuing the other person.

Could you imagine being in position to show kindness to a supervisor who has wronged you? —Repeatedly and openly? Yep. This describes me.

 
At the core of kindness is caring for one another. Being considerate towards someone is a multifaceted concept that involves a combination of practical assistance, emotional support, and expressions of love and affection. It's about actively looking out for someone's well-being and showing them the good human in you.

Caring will sometimes unearth the cycle of trauma an individual may have experienced. Usually, emotional disturbance is often not intentional but rather a result of unresolved pain and a desperate need to find rest. It is common for those who have been traumatized to struggle with regulating their emotions. This is often noticed the most when they experience moments that trigger their traumatic experiences in their daily lives. These triggers can suddenly take them back to the same feelings of sadness, anxiety, uncertainty, helplessness, and fear, and cause them to act out on their anger from what they experienced. Unfortunately, this drives them to lash out at others.

Does that form and level of caring sound scary and rough? It should. It is life. It is often the story of someone you go to school with, married or close friends with. That person is waiting on you to care and allow them to share.

You don’t need to have the answers, just the time, compassion, sympathy and ears.

Do you recall hearing this old, but true statement, “Hurt people hurt people"?” That is nothing new.

The impact of a traumatic event often alters a person's belief system, leading them to develop a distorted perception of themselves, others, and the world around them. These negative self-perceptions come along with experiencing low self-esteem, an inflated sense of control, rigidity, perfectionism, or a general distrust of others.

Loving people refers to individuals who consistently demonstrate affection, kindness, and compassion towards others. According to some sources, it's about actively showing care, whether through strong affection, admiration, or compassion. This includes prioritizing the well-being of loved ones and building strong, positive relationships.

Caring people have a willingness to Help, and they are often loyal and aid those in need. Those same people try to focus on the positive qualities of others and offer reassurance.
Ultimately, loving people lend themselves to a positive environment, fostering strong relationships and making their local world a better place.

Does that seem like a set of people you would like around you?

People who take advantage of others often exhibit manipulative and self-serving behaviors, lacking empathy and prioritizing their own needs above others. They might exploit kindness, generosity, or trust for personal gain, sometimes without realizing the impact of their actions. Understanding the potential causes and recognizing the red flags can help individuals protect themselves and build healthier relationships.

"People Needing People" refers to the fundamental human need for social connection and belonging. Humans are inherently social creatures, and strong social ties are crucial for emotional, mental, and physical well-being. This concept is explored in various contexts, from the basic humanistic need for companionship in everyday life.  

This non-profit exists to help. We know of ONLY One Answer, but many people DO NOT WANT Him, be they all NEED Him.

Along with many open topics, your marriage is one of the major focuses we support.

Fostering Healthy Communities employs straight-talk and Bible-based keys, with the hurting individual leading the charge! We connect and from day (1), we hit the ground running in simplistic, yet intentional ways. Why do we do this?

…because we care.