Among the issues discussed during the recent 12^th Parliament sitting, the government discussed ways to make Singapore a caring community. One minister singled out some groups that will need help. These include people with disabilities, the chronically ill, and the vulnerable elderly with no family support. It is also the minister’s goal to “focus more on the needs of individuals. It will extend more support where needed, instead of administering its schemes by the letter.”

Another member of parliament pointed out that the current policies disadvantage unwed parents and their children and that they should not be discriminated against but be treated with dignity like any family unit.

Two comments are in order. First, the implication of what the minister has rightly pointed out is that there is no one size that fits all because everyone’s needs and circumstances are different. Individual attention must be given. To realize such a noble objective, however, is difficult as that requires whoever is administering help to have special wisdom tempered with sincere love. To what extent should the government provide help? When is that individual doing enough to help himself before government help is provided?

Second, the Member of Parliament reminds the society not to neglect people who are less fortunate. There may be such a tendency as people tend to focus on those who can contribute rather than those who are less able to. The difficulty with meeting the needs of such people is how will the government ensure that the needs of such people are brought to the attention of the relevant help givers.

We thank God that God in His wisdom instituted churches. When properly governed, the church is capable of providing effective help to needy people. The Bible reminds us “not to grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Gal 6:9-10). It is the responsibility of a church to be a caring community so that God’s children are comforted, strengthened and directed to walk in ways that are holy and pleasing to God. How can the church fulfill its responsibilities in providing care?

First, by God’s grace and mercy, Christians are a special people because when he or she receives Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit will live eternally in us and give us “spiritual wisdom and understanding so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work” (Col 1:9). This godly wisdom enables Christians and leaders to provide wise pastoral care. The unconditional love of God also motivates us because “the fruit of the Spirit is love” (Gal 5:22). Thus, we can, by God’s help, love others unconditionally and sincerely.

Second, most churches goers receive pastoral care through leaders who lead small groups, e.g. fellowship groups, cell groups, or others. This is biblical as that was how Moses’ father-in-law advised him in shepherding God’s people (Exod 18:13-27). Through small groups and their leaders, different people with different needs can be addressed.

Dear brothers and sisters in the Lord, do you know of people who are in need? Would you be kind and care for them? You can do so by praying for them, giving them a call to show your concern, visit them, or help them in practical ways. Paul exhorts us that we should care for all, especially for those who are of “the household of faith” (Gal 6:10), that is Christians. Start today by caring for someone.