“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” Henri Nouwen

We are all familiar with the expression, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Answering the questions presented by Nouwen are foundational to caring for others.

When Paul wrote the church at Philippi, his emphasis and theme spoke to the need of putting others above self. Centered around the example of Jesus, Paul identified several, including himself, who were concerned about the brethren at Philippi.

Imagine what the church would be like today if, at the end of the day, everyone took the time to answer the six questions above. If we focused on putting others above ourselves: their needs, concerns, cares, worries, and desires, the church and this world would sure be a better place.