FIVE WAYS TO BLESS THE CHURCH DURING CORONAVIRUS by Adriel Sanchez for Core Christianity
The Apostle Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17). Especially in days like these—where uncertainty abounds and our routines have been disrupted—it’s important to be careful, wise, and not wasteful. Here are five encouragements for you as you plan for the days ahead.
1. Remember your family in Christ.
As many churches across the United States are halting corporate worship services in order to abide by CDC recommendations and love their neighbors by “flattening the curve,” we are reminded of our brothers and sisters throughout the world for whom corporate worship isn’t a weekly privilege. As a pastor, I was saddened not to gather together with the people of our church, but the circumstances have made me think of the Christians in North Korea, or parts of the Middle-East, where Sunday fellowship isn’t a given. I’m also reminded of the believers who are currently incarcerated throughout the United States who don’t have access to good Bible teaching and who have difficulty meeting under the word.
Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” As many of us get a small taste of what it’s like not to have the sweetness of the corporate gathering, let us give thanks to God for his kind provision over the years (how we’ve taken it for granted!) and remember in our prayers the dear saints who have been seeking to faithfully follow Jesus without the ordinary blessing of church on Sunday.
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2. Serve those who are in need.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” The word used here for “stir up” is fascinating. It’s the word paroxysmon, and it is often used in negative contexts for the idea of provoking or irritating. “Irritate one another to love!” It’s said that pearls are formed when an irritant makes its way into a clam, and as a defense mechanism the clam secretes a substance called nacre over the irritant repeatedly, forming the beautiful pearl. As believers, we’re to provoke one another in such a way that the pearls of love and good works are formed in our communities. In a time like this, that might look like visiting someone in your church who is older and completely shut in. Or perhaps it looks like bringing groceries or other necessities to them. Just because we may not be holding corporate services doesn’t mean we should neglect meeting altogether. Smaller gatherings where social distancing is practiced can still happen. We need to be creative as we consider how—in this present moment—we’re helping to form the pearls of love in each other. A brief text or phone call can mean a lot as well.
