Almost everyone in the world has heard of COVID-19. It is a virus that has circled the entire globe. It discriminates against no one. It doesn’t matter if you are old, young, male, female, black, white, or somewhere in between. It has baffled some of the smartest men on earth and surprised many who thought they had it figured out. It is here, and so far, it’s staying. As a Christian how am I to respond to this unknown situation? Let’s put another spin on this situation and see how it’s really changing people.
We have been told by authorities and those in the know, to stay 6 feet away from others. It’s called social distancing. While that may be a new catchphrase for some, it’s always been around. There are many who come to church but stay far enough from everyone and God, that there is no chance they will be impacted by either. They have their life in a neat little box where they can organize it and do what they desire. They go to church, sit on a pew, ease out at the end of service, and stay their distance. They don’t attend Sunday School, Bible studies, or prayer times. They are willing to donate to causes, but they distance themselves from true involvement. These people had an experience with God, said a prayer, and feel they are just fine. They are social distancing enough that God, nor other Christians have no effect on them. When it comes to the church, these people like the social distancing rule just fine.
The problem is they don’t know what to do when they hear verses like Romans 12:10. It teaches us we are to love one another and prefer one another in love. The story of the good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35 would put them too close to be comfortable. The socially distant Christian would prefer to let someone else take care of the problem. The socially distant person does not like these verses because it means they would have to think of someone besides themselves.
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another;”
Luke 10:30-35 “And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”
If social distancing doesn’t bother you, you may fit in the category mentioned above. However, God made us to be relational beings. Please do not misunderstand me; I am not advocating breaking the law or putting ourselves in danger. But we must recognize there are ways we can engage and do God’s work while keeping the law. If you’re one of those who are fussing about the rules, yet you are not seeking other ways to witness for Christ, you are no better than those mentioned above. Recently someone left a meal on my doorstep, another lady brought me an Easter Lily and placed it on my steps. You can send cards, make a telephone call, or send a text. Most everyone uses social media around the world. It’s a grand opportunity to share Christ’s love with others. It would be of much greater value if we used it for a witness to someone or a tool to reach out, rather than an opportunity to share political or judgmental views.
We are called to be different. In Titus 2:14 we are called a peculiar people. This word in Greek does not mean we are weird or strange; it means we are a people that have been secured as a possession by God. He redeemed us from our old life of sin to newness in Him. We belong to Him and no other. Therefore, we are to emulate the one that owns us. Jesus taught us to love each other as He has loved us. When we love others this way, we are showing the world by our actions that we belong to Him. Social distancing for a Christian should be somewhat painful. It means you have to be creative in your efforts to reach out to others, but it does not mean we distance ourselves in connecting with others. You can say and do a lot with 6 feet between you.
Titus 2:14 “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
Now more than ever, true love will be noticed. We are to be intentional in reaching out. Be creative and get busy showing others that while you may be socially distant physically, you are not distant in love. Take advantage of the opportunity to participate in online classes and worship services. Don’t use the virus as an excuse to neglect our responsibility to love others as Christ loves them. The distinguishing mark of a true believer was the love they had for one another. This love is to be with a pure heart and to be done fervently.
I Peter 1:22 “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:”
