COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

Mercy

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) We as the church are called to love others and to show them mercy. That is our calling as Christians; that's what the Kingdom of God is like.  So what might showing others mercy look like in this situation?

People around us have many needs right now. Some people face the very real possibility of illness befalling themselves or a loved one. But many others have hanging over them financial loss, job insecurity, worry and pressure from family back home, and questions about their children's schooling. One common thread through all of these is the feeling of loss of stability. So much is up in the air and uncertain, and many people feel that they've lost security in the major areas of their lives.

How do we show mercy to people with needs like these?

More generally, we as a church can point people to the God who is our Rock, the only reliable source of stability for our lives and our hearts. We have the calling and the privilege to share our hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ: that in his life, death, and resurrection we have forgiveness of sins, victory over our own death, and eternal life. That gospel alone is our stability and our hope. However, the gospel is holistic, and so we can't separate spiritual needs from others. God cares deeply about our physical health, our mental health, and our spiritual health. And so as we look to minister to others during this time, we must look holistically, to each of these areas.

Specifically, here are some concrete suggestions we each should consider. First, when it comes to medical needs, we must support governmental and World Health Organization efforts. We must follow the instructions of these authorities (for example: wash your hands regularly!), and we must be willing to give of our resources if they ask for help or donations.

Second, check in with others: your neighbors, co-workers, friends, etc. Ask them about their physical health, but also be sure to ask about their mental, emotional, and spiritual state. Many folks are rattled right now and need someone to show care. Some people might need you to push past the easy answers (“I'm fine…”) and ask follow up questions before they will really open up. But at a time like this, people might well be open to having conversations with you--even about spiritual matters--that wouldn't have happened a few weeks ago. These are excellent opportunities to show mercy.

Third, look for those who might need help who could fall through the cracks. Does your elderly neighbor have enough food? Do you know any university students who might feel far from home and scared? Does someone need help with childcare? Sometimes the best thing we can do for someone is find a need and fill it.

Sisters and brothers, remember that each one of us is called to show mercy and to love our neighbors, and there are many right now who need mercy and love! Pray that the Lord would show you ways where you can speak and act and that he would bring opportunities for you to do so in the next week.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your mercy in my life! Show me how I can show mercy to someone this week!

By Pastor Shawn Bawulski, Beijing