COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

 PLAGUE AND THE LOVE OF JESUS

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,  praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47

In his book, The Rise of Christianity, sociologist Rodney Stark describes how disease and the Christian response to it were actually one of the contributing factors to the growth of Christianity in the Roman Empire. At that time, cities were dirty, crowded places and plagues spread quickly and often. Those diseases were deadly, with a death rate of about 25%! Obviously, along with the disease came fear, just like we are experiencing. The 2019 novel coronavirus, currently with an approximate 2% mortality rate, can’t hold a candle to the actual danger of those diseases!

As fear grows, basic human kindness tends to decrease. In those days, if Grandma got sick, Grandma was put out on the street. Unfortunately, by then the family had probably already been infected. The Christians, though, responded differently. They were not afraid of death. They believed they were destined for resurrection! They also believed that they had been called to love and care for those in need. So, not only did they care for their own people, but they also brought their neighbor’s grandmother into their home and cared for her. Did they get sick? Occasionally, yes. But they also had others to care for them when they were sick.

When someone received basic care, food, and water when they were sick, the mortality rate dropped from 25% to 10%. When everyone came out of their houses at the end of the plague, they looked around and discovered that their city was suddenly full of Christians. Not only did they survive better, but they were the ones who helped everyone else survive. Many saw this miracle of love and put their faith in Jesus.

These days, many are scared as well, and that fear is driving us into isolation. We only go outside when we absolutely have to, and then we wear masks to protect ourselves from the germs. Of course, in many ways, this is nothing new. Even without this coronavirus as an excuse, we tend to isolate ourselves. We bury ourselves in work and hobbies to keep out of the discomfort of authentic relationships. We put on masks to make sure that nobody really knows what is going on inside. If that is our standard behavior without the stress of an unknown disease, it is heightened during these times of fear.

We were not made for isolation, though. When we isolate ourselves, we allow sin and fear to rule in our hearts. We cut ourselves off from the power of the Holy Spirit and can easily fall back into sinful patterns of addiction and self-medication. I’m doing this too! My wife is traveling, and I’ve been stress eating for days!

Whatever your sinful tendencies, as you face this day you have a choice. You can let fear and isolation control you, or you can be like those 2nd century Christians. Refuse fear and look to the Holy Spirit because we have the hope of resurrection!

Will we, like them, choose to love those around us with acts of courageous compassion? What will you do today to display the courageous love of Jesus?

By Jeff S, Beijing