COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

Sowing and Reaping

“Kindness repays kindness, evil repays evil.” is a phrase I hear frequently when discussing good or bad deeds that people may choose to do. This Chinese saying is true on the individual level and is similar to the Christian belief that one reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:8). Paul tells us if you sow to please the flesh, you will reap death, but if you live to please the Spirit of God, you will reap eternal life.

A friend asked me if the COVID-19 epidemic was a result of sins some people have committed. Indeed, any widespread crisis is an opportunity for self-examination and repentance, for turning away from sinful pride and behaviors. However, I explained to my friend that while the Bible teaches that all diseases and disorders of the body are a consequence of original sin—and each of us inherits original sin—the COVID-19 is not a punishment for any one people’s sins. It IS an opportunity to turn to God.

Hosea was called to prophesy to the nation of Israel when they had been rebellious toward God. Although they knew God, they acted like they didn’t want to know Him. They wanted to receive the benefits of belonging to God without the responsibility; they repeatedly chose to worship the gods of the nations around them. Israel turned away from Yahweh so often that He compared them to a prostitute who continually returns to her unfaithfulness. While God sent them multiple warnings through Hosea’s family, using them as signs and symbols of His grieving heart, the nation of Israel refused to turn from their habitual sins. They were so disobedient that God declared, “Because of their sinful deeds, I will drive them out of my house. I will no longer love them; ...” Hosea 9:15

But then, in the midst of harsh warnings, a glimmer of hope shone. Hosea preached, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

What does it mean to sow righteousness? How do we break up the hard ground? Why is this so needed right now? Hard ground is soil that has become so trampled and tough that nothing can be planted in it. It takes a hoe or pickaxe to break up the hardened ground and turn it into prepared ground.

An epidemic is not a time to point a finger of judgment. God has already provided the sacrificial Lamb to take away the sins of the world, His Son Jesus Christ. But it IS a time to sow righteousness, to break up the ground of hardened hearts by sharing the News of redemption and healing through Jesus Christ. God longed to heal His people Israel, and He longs to heal all those far from Him. Hosea cried, “NOW is the time to seek the LORD, that he may come and shower righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12

What if we softened our own hearts so God may bring reconciliation to those we may be estranged from or at odds with? What if we trusted Him to guide us in concrete ways to show mercy to hurting people around us? What if we regarded this season as an opportunity to plant seeds that will harvest a crop of love? Let’s seek Him until He rains down righteousness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me see this time through Your eyes, not seeking to assign blame to others, but let me see the sin in my own heart, repent, and accept the forgiveness that comes from the death of your son, Jesus. No matter what’s going on around me, help me to begin a new life today, living and loving others as You want me to.

By Julie Branstetter, BICF City Church, Beijing