COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

From Idleness to Encouragement

Paul’s first journey to Thessalonica was met with opposition.  Actually, opposition might be too light of a word.  Scripture says, “wicked men formed a mob and set the city in an uproar and attacked…”  After Paul left Thessalonica and traveled to Berea the Thessalonians were so set on destruction that they, “came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds.” Acts 17:5

For a Christian, life in Thessalonica was dangerous.  Yet in spite of the danger, the church grew. In spite of the danger, Paul still sent Timothy to care for the church in Thessalonica. In spite of the danger, or should I say, in LIGHT of the danger, Paul pens these words: "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18 

It would have been easy for the church to become internalized in Thessalonica.  It would have been easy for Christians to lay low quietly, secretly, ride out the danger.  Perhaps, that is exactly what was happening. Perhaps that is why Paul wrote, “admonish the idle.”  

Those words ring true for us today as well. Many of us might fear going out. Many of us might fear to gather with other people. Many of us might choose instead to draw our curtains and barricade ourselves in our homes in hopes of blocking the virus. And if this happens there is certainly the danger of us becoming idle. Eating unhealthily. Binge-watching videos. Obsessing over news articles. Becoming disconnected from the larger body of Christ.

Yet, despite the testing of hope by an outbreak of death (1 Thessalonians 4:13), the Thessalonians were called to draw back their curtains and let light in. They were called to walk BEFORE outsiders (1 Thessalonians 4:12) so that the gospel could be evident. They were called to not be moved by afflictions (1 Thessalonians 3:3), but instead to encourage one another, to help the weak, and above all to put on patience.  

We too are called to this. People are afraid. Every day the numbers grow higher.  Every day more people leave the city.  Every day more airlines are canceling their connections. This creates fear! Remember, Christians are called to generate faith, not fear! So, who is it you can encourage today? Who is it you can strengthen today? Who is it you can seek to do good to today? As needs arise, so do opportunities.  You too, like the Thessalonians, can rejoice (1 Thessalonians 5:16), for it is God’s will that you are here in this city, for this season, for this reason. For, “this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for YOU.” So, put down the news articles. Close your laptop. Get off the couch. Change out of your pajamas and find someone to bless.  

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it. Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-26 

Rejoicing in hope with you,

Pastor TJ

Beijing