Teaching summary
In this teaching, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explain the difference between true godly care and harmful worry. Many Bible translations use the word "care," but in Greek, this often refers to anxiety, fear, and stress—not genuine caring. They show from Scripture that believers are called to cast off worry and instead trust in God’s provision, who truly “careth” for us. Real caring is providing what is needed for health, welfare, maintenance, and protection, while worry only chokes faith and brings harm.
Bible verses referenced
Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Romans 8:17-"And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."
1 John 4:17- " Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world."
Luke 8:14-"And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection."
1 Peter 5:6-7- "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
Matthew 6:25-26- "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"
Matthew 6:33- "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Colossians 1:13- "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
Philippians 4:6-7- "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: A Reminder of Who We Are in Christ
- Thanksgiving for Support and Love
- Healing and Cooperation with Truth
- The Problem of Translation and the Word “Care”
- Example from Luke 8:14 – Choked with Cares
- 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Casting Cares vs. God’s Care
- Matthew 6:25-33 – Jesus’ Teaching on Worry
- Testimonies of Stress, Sickness, and Healing
- Confusing Worry with Care in Daily Life
- Practical Examples of True Care
- Closing Exhortation from Philippians 4
Introduction: A Reminder of Who We Are in Christ
The pastors begin with a reminder that scripture declares our identity in Christ: Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." They emphasize Paul’s teaching that we are heirs and joint-heirs with Jesus, as written in Romans 8:17: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ…". Furthermore, John confirms in 1 John 4:17: "…as he is, so are we in this world." These truths affirm that believers can boldly declare, “I am, I can, and I have.”
Thanksgiving for Support and Love
Pastors Leonard and Lori thank the congregation for their encouragement, gifts, letters, and financial support. They acknowledge the people as “God’s hand extended” and express deep gratitude for their faithfulness.
Healing and Cooperation with Truth
They connect today’s message to prior teachings on healing, as found in the writings of Peter and Paul. Healing, they explain, requires cooperation with the Holy Spirit. This is not a “work” but a surrender to truth. As believers embrace truth, cooperation flows naturally.
The Problem of Translation and the Word “Care
The pastors highlight how translations can cause misunderstandings. The English word “care” is often read as though caring itself is wrong, but in Greek, the word refers to anxiety, worry, or fear. Misunderstandings of “care” can choke faith instead of nurturing it.
Example from Luke 8:14 – Choked with Cares
They read Luke 8:14: "And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection." Pastor Lori explains that in Greek, “cares” means anxiety, worry, stress, uneasiness, or fear—not godly compassion. Therefore, the verse is about choking the Word through anxiety, not through loving concern.
1 Peter 5:6-7 – Casting Cares vs. God’s Care
Pastor Lori reads 1 Peter 5:6-7: "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." The Greek word for “care” in verse 7 means worry, stress, and anxiety. But “careth” means provision—“the provision of what is necessary for health, welfare, maintenance, and protection.” God provides; therefore, believers must cast anxiety onto Him, not carry it.
Matthew 6:25-33 – Jesus’ Teaching on Worry
They read Jesus’ words: Matthew 6:25: "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on…" and later Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Jesus calls His followers to live free from anxiety, trusting God’s care for daily needs, because Colossians 1:13: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
Testimonies of Stress, Sickness, and Healing
Pastor Leonard shares how stress and fear weakened his body and lowered his immunity, contributing to health struggles, including COVID and cancer. He testifies that victory came when he trusted God’s care. Pastor Lori recalls her own peace during his cancer walk, standing firm on faith, free from fear, supported by Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Confusing Worry with Care in Daily Life
Pastor Lori admits that, at times, she confused worry and stress with genuine care, especially in situations like wedding planning. This led to hospitalizations from stress. She urges believers not to internalize anxiety in the name of “caring” but instead to release burdens to God.
Practical Examples of True Care
True care, they emphasize, is not fear but provision. Pastor Leonard describes how real care during his cancer journey was Lori asking, “What can I cook for you? What can I do to help?” Similarly, when helping his son, Leonard demonstrates care by mowing the lawn or finishing projects, rather than sharing in his worry. True care is active help rooted in peace, not anxiety.
Closing Exhortation from Philippians 4
Pastor Lori closes by urging believers to live in Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing…" and to reject stress at its onset. Instead of worry, pray with gratitude, trusting God to provide. She declares that worry chokes the Word, but peace comes when burdens are cast onto the Lord.
We hope this article blessed you. Remember, godly care is not anxiety, fear, or stress—it is trust in God and provision for others. Share this teaching with someone who needs to know the difference between harmful worry and true care. May the peace of Christ keep your hearts and minds.