COVID-19 Novel Encouragement Sample

Blessed

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Matthew 5:3-9

You may be poor in spirit right now. You may feel alone, depressed, and anxious, like you're stuck in a small room. Maybe you're literally stuck in a small room. If so, you're blessed.

You may be mourning the loss of family members, opportunities, and income right now. If so, you're blessed.

You may feel that in this world, you need to look out for yourself. You think meekness is the last thing we need. But Jesus gives us the wisdom of God, not of humans.

God knows that when we are poor in spirit, we are more likely to admit our need for God and get our greatest need filled, that of salvation and joy in Him. So rejoice when you are poor in spirit!

It is when we mourn that we reassess what means the most: Loving God and loving others. The comfort that comes from this brings much joy.

When we genuinely believe that in the end, God will judge all things, we can be meek and not take vengeance on our own. (Romans 12:19)

So let us rejoice that we and others have this opportunity to be poor in spirit, to mourn, and to show meekness.

Instead of worrying about what we will eat and drink, let us hunger and thirst for righteousness. In this, God promises you will be satisfied. (Matthew 6:31-33)

You may be angry about the wrong things people have done. Some of the things that we hear should bring indignation to our hearts, for many of these things anger God as well. But remember, we must be merciful toward others, for we all need mercy. (Romans 2:1-5)

Keep your hearts pure, staying away from temptations that may arise at this time. To do this, we NEED each other. Don't let isolation due to this disease and threat of death bring you closer to real death: spiritual death that comes from obeying your flesh. (Romans 8:6) Don't be so prideful to think you can love God and others on your own. Hebrews 10:25 says that we need to gather together. You need people to hold you accountable, and you need someone to remind you of God's mercy when you fail. You may be isolated physically, but at this time, technology is an excellent way to connect with others. Give someone a call. They probably need it too.

And as we experience countless layers of tension between countries, provinces, and people, be the peacemaker. This world needs it. 

Brothers, sisters, and friends. Let us rejoice in our weakness, and look forward to how the loving Father will use this small threat of our short lives to bring people into true, eternal life. And let us look for ways to be the Father's hands and feet, pointing others to real, eternal blessings.

Brady Hartman, Beijing