Humble service is the foundation upon which caregiving is built. It is putting someone else’s interests ahead of your own on a daily basis, even when it comes at a personal loss. Most caregivers I have met have no problem with this, but I want to encourage you to look deeper than time and money commitments. Spiritual nourishment and Christian unity are also important.

I have noticed in some online caregiver support groups that there are a great many families in conflict with one another. I have no idea how many of them claim to be Christians, but it makes me sad to see how frequently people come to the group venting that their loved one is acting in a hateful way, or that the siblings are arguing over care for mom and dad.

The truth is, and it can be difficult to hear, that we can’t control other people’s behavior. We can only control how we react to a situation. The added stress of caregiving can bring out the worst in people and expose the fault lines in your relationships, but this is where a great emphasis on prayer and reliance on God will come into play.

Daily exhibit the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—in your home. Do not allow conceit and self-interest to rule the conversations with your family. Find ways to encourage faith within your household and hold fast to Jesus who is the perfect example of humble service. Such a radical kind of love is rare and to be replicated to the best of our abilities through the Holy Spirit who strengthens every Christian.