When Your Whole World Changes - COVID-19 Special EditionSample

Longing for Community

It never occurred to me that a virus could separate me from the activities and people that mean so much to me. And yet here we are attending church via our phones and computers. I appreciate our pastor’s teaching, but I miss the fellowship, conversations, prayers, and encouragement so much.

Times of separation from our communities of support are hard. 

We feel the isolation and don’t like it, but this is normal. God wants the members of the body of Christ to have loving, meaningful relationships with one another—relationships that we long for when we are separated. The early Christians had to bear with separation from their spiritual family too.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. … so that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will, and in your company be refreshed. The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 15:30, 32–33

We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. … Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. … Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 1:1–3, 5:11, 16–18

Yes, it takes extra effort to express our love and maintain our community relationships while we practice social distancing. But even when we are apart, our relationship in Christ connects us. And we will rejoice when we meet together again.

For now, pray for one another and be diligent in maintaining your important spiritual relationships during this time of separation and distancing.