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COVID-19

How Should We As Christians Respond To COVID-19?

A Christian Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic! NeedEncouragement.comPlease contact us if you have any questions or comments or would like some encouragement.?

As Christians, we are set apart from how the world reacts to things. We know God is in control and will allow what He allows for whatever reason. We need to attempt to have the mind of Christ and realize that He loves us so that we can put our trust in Him.

 

The media seems to have painted a picture of fear, yet fear is not from God. Even though we need to be wise and protect ourselves and our loved ones, there may appear to be a plan that we are supposed to buy into. Still, my encouragement is to take all your concerns to God in prayer and seek wise counsel to help you decide what to do and what not to do. Tragically, so many people have died, yet many of those people had compromised health, which Covid-19 overpower them. Below are some thoughts we need to take to heart being Christians that we ought to consider. ~ Bill Greguska

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

 

 

 

 

 

How Should We As Christians Respond To The COVID-19 Crisis?

 

 

Tips For Prevention Of COVID-19

Follow the guidelines to help protect yourself from contracting and transmitting the Coronavirus. We can not see the virus, but we can avoid getting it and spreading it to others.

1. Wash your hands frequently.

2. Avoid touching your face.

3. Avoid shaking hands and hugging people — (for now).

4. Avoid sharing personal items.

5. Be sure to cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.

6. Clean and disinfect surfaces.

7. Take physical (social) distancing seriously.

8. Avoid gathering in groups. Use Zoom instead until the virus subsides.

9. Avoid eating or drinking in public places.

10. Wash fresh groceries.

11. Wear a mask in public as we wait until the virus subsides.

12. Self-quarantine if sick.

 

Call your doctor if you have any symptoms. Stay home until you recover. Avoid sitting near, sleeping with, or eating with your loved ones, even if you live in the same house.

Wear a mask and wash your hands as much as possible. If you need urgent medical care, wear a mask and tell them you may have COVID-19.

 

 

Don’t Panic, Or Despair!

First and most importantly, don’t panic. More than enough “Chicken Littles” run around proclaiming doom and gloom, many false prophets proclaiming doom and gloom, and many false prophets claiming this virus is God’s judgment against whatever ill they believe plagues society. I am not ready to elevate any of them to the stature of Isaiah or Jeremiah.
I believe that it is essential that we realize that God is still sovereign during this time. He is in control. Nothing that is happening is a surprise to him. Nor is it something that he has not allowed to occur for some reason. A reason that may only be known to himself.
Regardless of what may happen to others around me, my family, or me, God is in control, and I can trust him to accomplish his perfect will through whatever may come.
That does not mean that I will not potentially experience hurt and grief, but, as Paul said, “I know who I have believed and am persuaded that he will guard what I have entrusted to him till the end” (2 Timothy 1:12). As believers, we can rest assured that he will take care of us with that knowledge.

Please Show Respect For Our Government Leaders!

The only time we need to disobey what any government says for us to do is when it is in direct opposition to what God’s Word says for us to do. Many, including believers, enjoy criticizing our government and those serving it. Some today are crying that the government is responding too slowly or not strong enough to this crisis.
Others cry that the government is overstepping its proper bounds, claiming more power over ordinary citizens. Many Christians on Facebook lament the government’s ban on churches gathering to worship and refuse to follow that directive.
However, let us submit to our governments during this time. First, because Scripture instructs us to comply with them (Romans 13:1), just as importantly, the only known way to keep this virus from spreading is to maintain our distance from each other. When we gather together, we help it spread even more, putting more vulnerable people at risk of this disease.

Faith Over Feelings COVID-19

Stay In Touch With Family, Friends, And Your Church!

One of the challenges many are facing now is being isolated from others. If you are on the end of the introvert scale, like I am, this may not be a big deal. But for most people, extended isolation can be very challenging.
During this time, look for opportunities to stay in touch. Nothing can replace face-to-face contact and human touch, but many of us today live in a very connected world. We can text, chat, email, talk on the phone, make video calls, attend virtual worship services and Bible studies, etc. Of course, not everyone can do that, but most of us can do at least some of it. So, take advantage of the available technology.
Stay in touch with the other people in your regular circle of family and friends. Please make an effort to contact them to see how they are doing and offer encouragement. Especially look to those who may be all alone. Reach out to the older widows in your congregation who live alone. They may be challenging to connect with, but they need your touch.

Look For Opportunities To Help!

Christians should always be open to opportunities to help those in need, which is no less true during this time. It will be more challenging to offer assistance with the social distancing and isolation rules in place but do feel free to help when the opportunity arises.
Many are especially susceptible to the coronavirus, likely among your neighbors. It may be that you can do their shopping for them. Or potentially help them with maintaining the exterior of their house and grounds.

Take The Opportunity To Develop Your Spirituality!

You may find it challenging if you are among the many who spend more time at home than you are accustomed to. If you are in that position, take advantage of the opportunity to spend more time on personal development. You can read a book or start a ministry. Explore a field that you find interesting. Invest time in your family. You can do countless things with your newly found free time.
Maybe the most important thing you can do is take advantage of the opportunity to grow spiritually. Christians often express that life is too busy to spend much time in prayer and Bible study. But, if you are one of those “stuck at home,” this is an ideal opportunity to invest in your spiritual life. Pray. Read the Bible. Pray some more. Meditate on what you are reading. Read a book on spiritual disciplines. Pray some more. Seek the Lord and His will for your life. Above all, don’t let this time go to waste.

Rejoice And Give Thanks To God!

Undoubtedly, the loss of life and suffering caused by COVID-19 is tragic. Before it runs its course, it will have likely touched everyone in the world to one extent or another. But, as Christians, our response does not need to mirror the unrest and despair that those around us exhibit.
We have hope that transcends this world and our circumstances. We can rejoice not in the tragic events around us but in the God who can use them to accomplish his purpose in our lives and this world.
During this time of darkness, be a light. Let your light shine so that it will glorify God, drawing others to find their hope and fullness in the only one who truly transcends the struggles of this life. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-19).

Some Specific Scriptures To Encourage You:

James 5:14-15 ESV 

Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

1 Peter 2:24 ESV 

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds, you have been healed.

Matthew 26:39 ESV 

And going a little farther, he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

1 Timothy 5:23 ESV 

(No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.)

1 Peter 4:19 ESV 

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Matthew 25:36 ESV 

I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.’

2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV 

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 5:3-5 ESV 

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Psalm 38:1-22 ESV 

A Psalm of David for the memorial offering. O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds stink and fester because of my foolishness.

1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Mark 5:25-35 ESV

And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse. She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment. For she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.” And immediately, the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. 

1 Timothy 5:8 ESV 

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Romans 12:2 ESV 

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Psalm 150:1-6 ESV

Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Genesis 3:16 ESV 

To the woman, he said, “I will surely multiply your pain in childbearing; in pain, you shall bring forth children. Your desire shall be contrary to your husband, but he shall rule over you.”

James 4:7 ESV 

Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

 

We Pray You Find Hope And Encouragement From Our Links!

  1. If you just started believing in God, we have a page specifically for you.
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By |2023-03-07T08:53:14-06:00December 25th, 2020|ENCOURAGEMENT|0 Comments

About the Author:

In 2007, my pastor Ron Sauer and his wife Sue encouraged me to encourage others, knowing that I was struggling in my own life. They were wise to know that if I reached out to help other people, my problems would be put into perspective. I did, and it helped! Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. And If you do not have a relationship with God, I encourage you to learn about Him here. I trust you will find the encouragement you need here on this website. You can also call 800-633-3446. ~ Bill Greguska

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