Spiritual Care: A Guide for Caregivers Read Online Free

(Ps 16:8-9; Is 55).
    That spiritual dimension is not a separate part of us, hidden
deeply within our bodies, that flies away after death. Nor is it a
vague, impersonal energy field that merges with the universe. It is
the essence of who we are as persons, and it is centered in our relationship with God. The spiritual is always personal.

    Spiritual beings-whether God, angels, demons or humanshave wills, intentions and character. Therefore, spiritual care
involves facilitating relationships. Christian spiritual care focuses
on helping others to establish and maintain a dynamic personal
relationship with God by grace through faith. That is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the
work of the Holy Spirit. We serve as ministers of that grace and as
representatives of the body of Christ, the church.
    As our culture becomes increasingly pluralistic, for some people spiritual care may also mean facilitating relationships with
other spirits. Christians need to be aware that for us to do so
would be leading people astray. There is no such thing as
"generic" spirituality. For a Christian to enter into a relationship
with any spirit other than God is idolatry. To lead or even support others in questionable spiritual practices is to be a stumbling block to their faith. For this reason, we must also be
careful about where we seek our spiritual direction and guidance. We should not be looking for spiritual techniques or healing practices from other belief systems. Many alternative/
complementary therapies fall into this category. The first rule of
spiritual care should be the same as for any medical intervention-do no harm. Although these therapies may look harmless
and inviting, before using them we must first investigate their
spiritual sources and ultimate ends, as well as their safety and
effectiveness.
    Spiritual care for the Christian includes only those approaches
that will deepen and enhance a person's relationship with God. It
includes worship, compassionate presence, prayer, Bible reading,
a vast treasure store of Christian literature, human touch, music
and the love and support of the Christian community.

Spirit Touching Spirit
    Why is spiritual care so important? First, because illness, emotional trauma and simple discouragement can cloud our relationship with God. A person in crisis is vulnerable and often
desperate. Without the support of caring Christians, anything that
promises to help will seem attractive. King Saul turned to a
"medium at Endor" (1 Sam 28:7); Mary Lou turned to "spirit
guides." Others try everything from shark cartilage to crystals.
Good spiritual care keeps a person safely in the arms of Jesus.
    It is not uncommon for people who are suffering intensely to
feel that God no longer hears their prayers. Their attention span
may be short, or their eyesight poor, so that reading Scripture for
themselves does not bring comfort. They may not be able to
attend worship services or other church events, so they feel cut off
from the fellowship. They may feel helpless, hopeless and alone.
Romans 12 instructs us to exercise spiritual care toward one
another:
    Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;
love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.
... Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
(Rom 12:9-13, 15)
    By doing so, our spirits reach out and touch the spirits of others to
encourage them in the faith. We represent Jesus to others. Spiritual care is the responsibility not merely of pastors and church
leaders but of every Christian who supports others through illness
and crises. It puts our physical care and emotional support into a
context of faith and hope.

     
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Assessing
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