Reading: 1 Peter 5:7

At the time Peter’s letter was written there were very few in the world that had any real interest in the followers of Christ. The church was small. Congregations were just being established. There was great vocal and violent opposition to the gospel and the majority of people cared nothing for the believers. While that was true of the world, it was not true of Christ. 1 Peter 5:7 ends with a glorious statement: “He careth for you.” Those words refer to Christ, and what Peter is stressing is that though these Christians were being pressed down by trial and facing incredible hardships, there was One who cared for them like none other. Think of that phrase: “He careth for you.”

The description of Christ’s care. There are two words in verse 7 translated either “care” or “careth.” The first word relates to anxious care, whereas the second word, which relates to Christ’s care of His people, refers to a tender care of someone. It is a care that is marked with love. It’s a word that is used of caring for the poor and of the watchfulness of a shepherd over his flock. That’s the kind of care Christ has for His people. Christ is not a distant Saviour. He is a shepherd who really cares for our souls!

The display of Christ’s care. Peter’s words in 1 Peter 5:7 are words spoken with absolute confidence, and the reason Peter was so certain was that he had experienced that care firsthand. Christ never failed to care for him.

The duration of Christ’s care. Peter simply says, “He careth for you.” This is in the present tense; therefore it is an ongoing and never-ending care. It commenced in eternity past—for we were chosen in Christ from before the foundation of the world— and it will continue into eternity to come—for His love knows no measure and His grace knows no end.

The distinction of this care. This care is “for you.” Christ has a special love for His people. This is an extremely simple statement: “He careth for you,” but it is a statement Satan would have us forget, and we often do. We look around and we think “who cares?” Let me remember that Christ cares—for me!

When he loves, he always loves; if he regarded you with favor when you were rich, he will not forget you when you are poor; he who watched over you with a parent’s care in the bloom of youth, will not cast you off when you are “old and grey-headed. (Albert Barnes, Barnes on the New Testament, 10:206)