How Shall I Act?

Words are so interesting. The way they are formed and linked together to make coherent conversation and communication.

Look at the word “careless”.

Normally one would think that it is the opposite of careful…..

But let’s look a bit closer. The word is made up of 2 parts: a root and a suffix. In this case the root is “care”. The idea of “care” is an attentive help. It is a term that implies a tender and loving demeanor. The suffix “less” is simply a removal of, or not as much of the root “care”. Conversely, the word “careful” has the suffix “ful” which indicates a great measure, the idea of no more room to add more. By looking closely at the word structure, we come to a more graphic understanding of the spirit of the two words….

Know that “care” is a loving word. It depicts a tender nurture and attentive action on the subject it is applied to, whether person or thing. Not willing any harm or damage happen to the subject.

Care-less is the removal of all or some of the “care” asked for or expected.

Care-ful is the greatest quantity of “care” that could be applied regardless of ask or expectation.

Hence the saying “I could care less” is very negative and lacking a sense of love, attentiveness or tenderness. Meaning that in whatever the situation that saying is applied to, the person is not applying enough, or any, “care” or concern. Also, being “careless” in respect to accidental mistakes, the term indicates that not enough love, attention or tenderness was taken to prevent the mistake. Another word, with much more grit and real meaning could be used…..”unlove”. Breaking that apart simply means “the removing of love”.

It should not be so among Christians….

1 John 3:14 (KJV)

We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death.

1 John 3:17 (KJV)

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

1 John 4:20 (KJV)

If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1 John 4:21 (KJV)

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

All that to say, let’s be full of care in all that we do this day and always. Loving. Never subtracting from the care and love we are commissioned to dispense in all things.

Philippians 4:6 (KJV)

Be careful for nothing [don’t care about anything more than this]; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Titus 3:8 (KJV)

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

So…. Let’s be careful :)

Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just, whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely, whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any virtue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things.

A child can be excused for carelessness due to their youth and lack of experience and learning, but when they are grown, they should know better.

1 Corinthians 13:11-13 (NIV) 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Now I can say that I love you because I am full of care toward you.

Peace :)