Topical Encyclopedia The term "solicitous" refers to showing care, concern, or attention towards someone or something. In a biblical context, this concept is often associated with the attitudes and behaviors that reflect a deep concern for the well-being of others, as well as a diligent attention to one's spiritual duties and responsibilities.Biblical Examples and Teachings 1. Concern for Others: The Bible frequently emphasizes the importance of being solicitous towards others, particularly in the context of love and service. In Philippians 2:4 , the Apostle Paul instructs believers, "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." This verse highlights the Christian duty to be attentive and caring towards the needs of others, reflecting Christ's own selfless love. 2. Parental Care: The concept of being solicitous is also evident in the context of parental care and responsibility. In 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 , Paul uses the metaphor of a nursing mother to describe his care for the Thessalonian believers: "Instead, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children. We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our own lives as well." This passage illustrates the tender and solicitous nature of spiritual leadership and parental care. 3. Spiritual Vigilance: Being solicitous also involves a vigilant attention to one's spiritual life. In 1 Peter 5:8 , believers are admonished to "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This call to vigilance underscores the need for Christians to be attentive and proactive in guarding their faith and spiritual well-being. 4. Jesus' Example: Jesus Christ exemplified solicitousness in His ministry. He showed deep compassion and concern for the multitudes, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and teaching the lost. In Matthew 9:36 , it is recorded, "When He saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Jesus' solicitous nature is a model for believers to emulate in their interactions with others. 5. Anxiety and Trust in God: While being solicitous involves care and concern, the Bible also warns against excessive anxiety. In Matthew 6:25-34 , Jesus teaches about trusting in God's provision: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear... But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This passage encourages believers to balance their concern for daily needs with a trust in God's faithfulness. Practical Application In practical terms, being solicitous involves a balance between caring for others and maintaining a trustful reliance on God. Christians are called to be attentive to the needs of those around them, to provide support and encouragement, and to be diligent in their spiritual walk. At the same time, they are reminded to cast their anxieties on God, trusting in His sovereign care and provision. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (a.) Eager to obtain something desirable; concerned; anxious.Library Whether it is Lawful to be Solicitous About Temporal Matters? Whether we Should be Solicitous About the Future? Let those of us who are under the Rod, be Very Solicitous to ... The Thirty-Ninth Chapter: a Man Should not be Unduly Solicitous ... Thy Bidding, Holy Brother Aurelius, it was Meet that I Should ... Whether Solicitude Belongs to Prudence? Nor do they Attend to This, that if Another Should Say... That He Shall Come to Judge the Quick and the Dead we are Taught ... Wherefore Even they which Having Relinquished or Distributed their ... Whether Religious Perfection is Diminished by Possessing Something ... Thesaurus Solicitous (2 Occurrences)...Solicitous (2 Occurrences). Matthew 6:34 Therefore be not anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be solicitous for the things of itself. ... /s/solicitous.htm - 7k Fear (970 Occurrences) Zenas (1 Occurrence) Keep (4573 Occurrences) Unconcerned (2 Occurrences) Jealous (43 Occurrences) Thoughtful (4 Occurrences) Desirous (31 Occurrences) Careful (130 Occurrences) Concerned (45 Occurrences) Resources Solicitous: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Solicitous (2 Occurrences)Matthew 6:34 Luke 12:11 Subtopics Related Terms |