As the pandemic continues to plague the world, it’s evident that we aren’t through all that Covid has to throw at us.
This pandemic has reached far beyond only making people sick. It has caused great loss to precious lives, caused businesses to close, torn adults and children away from school and work routines, and much, much more.
What this virus has pitched to the world has been enough to cause many extreme emotions, great frustration, and opinions strong enough to end friendships.
The point of mentioning all of these things is for the purpose of asking ourselves this question:
When it comes to Covid and our own handling of all that goes along with it, how are we measuring up spiritually?
No, we aren’t talking about whether we have enough faith that Jesus won’t allow the virus to touch us, or if we are praying hard enough for the world to be delivered.
What we are asking is:
The planet is enduring a very stressful time. With all of the loss, all of the frustration, and all of the additional challenges brought on by Covid, how are our spirits toward those we brush shoulders with every day?
In some areas of the world, Covid vaccines and wearing masks are heavily debated topics. Social media is one place that has exposed great ugliness within the hearts of mankind.
What has all of this exposed in our own hearts? Have we discovered things within ourselves that don’t match up with the Spirit of God?
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are these things being expressed in our demeanor, actions, and conversations with others? Or have we uncovered some not-so-pretty traits within ourselves that we didn’t realize we have?
Do we have patience with those who have views different than our own? Do we show kindness even when we disagree?
Ephesians 4:32 did not give us a clause for those we disagree with when it says, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12 shares a similar message: “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,” It does not continue on to say, “unless you encounter someone with opposing views.”
The truth of the matter is people are never going to be 100 percent in agreement with each other in handling this pandemic. However, in a time when people are desperate for relief, we don’t need to agree in order to be compassionate and caring. Our neighbor doesn’t have to think like us in order for us to wave hello when we see them or offer them a pot of homemade soup when we learn they are sick.
Now is the perfect opportunity for Christians to shine the light of Christ brighter than ever before.
We have a calling. Let’s be sure our spirits are prepared to show and share the love of Christ.
