The world really does need love . . .

Exodus 34; Proverbs 10; John 13; Ephesians 3

My heart is heavy when hearing the rising numbers of cases and deaths throughout the world due to Covid-19. I went to bed last night thinking of the people who are rapidly spreading this virus through their religious practices. One video showed some of them “defying the infidels” who are trying to protect them. One of today’s readings challenges their folly:

“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.” (Proverbs 10:17)

In this case, those refusing to listen to medical authorities are not only setting a tragic example to their peers; they are dying by the thousands, including their religious leaders.

Another group of young people are putting themselves and their families in danger because “this is what we always do during spring break” as they also ignore the instructions meant to keep this virus from spreading. They seem uncaring about anyone else, only their fun.

I’m told that members of some churches are ignoring the ‘social distancing’ advice/commands too. One person said some of them still meet in large groups, shake hands, hug one another as if they are certain God will not allow them to get sick. However, intimacy in relationships spreads the common cold, measles, the ordinary flu and a host of other ailments. Why would anyone think the same is not true for this deadly virus?

Yesterday we did church by podcast. It is not as richly fulfilling as being together with our church family, but it was better than risking the well-being of one another. Doing this is not a fear-based response to danger as much as it is a love-based response to what Jesus tells us to do:

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35)

People who know and obey Jesus Christ care about one another. Jesus demonstrated this by washing the disciples’ feet which is only one of many ways to humbly show love. People are calling each other to find out needs, to pray, to encourage, to offer help with getting groceries, to offer a cheerful word. We are not hugging or shaking hands because we care about each other and about those outside the church family. We do not want anyone to needlessly suffer because of any selfishness on our part.

My hubby thinks this pandemic will last at least to the end of the year. If he is right, we need to hunker down, be determined to do our part. I am used to being alone and at home (had a childhood illness) but realize that this social distancing is a huge challenge for many. I want to do my part to ease the stress and to encourage endurance. We are in this for the long haul.

The following passage lifted my spirits today. May it do the same for those discouraged and help all of us keep our focus on the One who saves:

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14–21)

APPLY: Keep my thoughts on the promises of God. The worst-case scenario is not dying; that is the best case. The worst is acting like a selfish fool when I could be an example to others of how to love others as Jesus loves me.