Love in a pandemic?
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
I’ve noticed a lot of fear within the body of Christ; it's palpable. I've also noticed friends and family offering to help those in need; it's admirable. What I find intriguing is a correlation that I've seen: the amount of fear one experiences is directly proportional to the amount of media one consumes. Have you noticed that too?
Yes, the situation is serious, and yes, I am well aware of the medical issues and constraints involved. My elderly mother lives in my home so considerations for her safety are pivotal to us. I also know the God we serve, and the confidence we have in Christ to be more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) in this situation (and any situation) that arises.
Our ability to overcome is dependent on living in love and resisting fear. It's always a good time to exercise our faith in God. Especially now, perhaps these thoughts will help:
(1) Our thought life must conform to God’s word.
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable — if there is any moral excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy — dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8 CSB
Not only are we to focus our thoughts on the good, but we are to take our thoughts captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
(2) Faith in God means we are protected.
“He himself will rescue you from the bird trap, from the destructive plague. He will cover you with his feathers; you will take refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. You will not fear the terror of the night, the arrow that flies by day, the plague that stalks in darkness, or the pestilence that ravages at noon. Though a thousand fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, the pestilence will not reach you.” Psalms 91:3-7 CSB
Faith and fear are mutually exclusive. It seems like the default reaction is to fear; we have to actively choose faith.
(3) We cannot be in fear of a thing and then expect God to protect us from it.
“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God — who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly — and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways.” James 1:5-8 CSB
When we quiet our soul to hear from God, we will hear from Him. He is an ever present help in a time of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
(4) Fear is a result of a lack of trusting in love.
“And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; instead, perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. So the one who fears is not complete in love.” 1 John 4:16-18 CSB
This one is hard. If we are to love God, love others and love ourselves, we cannot give fear any place... ever.
(5) If “something” is causing fear, that “something” is not of God.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.” 2 Timothy 1:7 CSB
My take-aways from this verse: Be empowered by God's Spirit. Walk in love. Follow peace.
(6) When we allows fear to enter in, we allow the enemy of our soul into the situation. Jesus said,
“I am the gate. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” John 10:9-10 CSB
We are to resist the devil (and fear), and he will flee from us (James 4:7).
(7) Fear is sin. Treat fear with the same disgust as whatever sin is offending us at the moment.
“and everything that is not from faith is sin.” Romans 14:23b CSB
Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. No fear!!!
I could write many more thoughts and verses, but I think you get the gist of what God is showing us. He is worthy of all our love and praise. He is good and his mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:1).
My friends, let's spend more time with loved ones and hearing from God through His word. And bored as we may be, let's ditch sensationalized media, which is more interested in stirring up fear than providing unbiased information. Just say "no!"
“Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 CSB
When we prioritize His word and guidance, He will guide us as to how to prepare for this situation, and any situation that presents itself. After all, His word is still a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105). Where is the love in a pandemic? It's where it's always been... with God.
Love others. Love yourself.
Christine