Category: COVID-19

I Peter 3:8-9

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.”

I Peter 3:8-9 (NASB)

Because of the present situation, I’ve heard a lot of people talking about how difficult it is being home full-time with their children. I am sure that some of them are joking, but it certainly seems like some of them are not. This worries me because it sounds like there is friction in the family. It could be that it is inconvenient to be around other family members, or it could be that the stress level is very high and there is more conflict than usual. However, the Bible teaches us that we should live in harmony in the family.

Earlier in chapter 3, Peter speaks about how husbands and wives are to behave themselves toward each other. Similar to Ephesians chapter 5, Peter speaks of how wives should respect their husbands and husbands should treat their wives with love. After this he instructs the family to be harmonious, thoughtful, and humble. The devil would like to turn the family home into a battle ground, but Christians will not give in. Even when provoked, we will remain humble in spirit and return a soft word (Pr 15:1).

All of this is because we understand that we have been called to inherit a blessing. Each of us desires that God will remember our good and forget our bad. We know that we could not bear it if God returned to us what we deserve for all the evil we have done. Instead, he showed us mercy, and while we were still sinners, he sent his only son to die for us (Ro 5:6-10). Realizing this, we ought to return blessings to our brethren—physical and spiritual.

James 1:5-8

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

James 1:5-8 (NASB)

Many of us did not expect to be in a situation where the government is restricting religious assembly. As a result, there have been a wide range of responses from Christians. Additionally, there has been much discussion surrounding how Christians should respond when told they cannot assemble. These discussions are based on each of our individual convictions and conscience; our convictions and conscience being directed by God’s word.

As we discuss, and even debate, the current situation, let us remember to do so with much prayer. In prayer we should begin by asking for wisdom. Our first assumption should be that each of us lacks wisdom and could use more from God’s word. When we sincerely ask for wisdom, with the humble realization that we can always use more, God will supply it generously. Furthermore, we must not question whether God can or will provide wisdom. God does not want us to be ignorant about how to behave.

God is immovable and so should be our faith. The current situation has revealed that many doubt the “why” for what they practice, but we have not forgotten. God has told us that the spiritual health of Christians is dependent on assembling with other Christians. These difficult times have made it more important than ever to remember our spiritual health. Those who are physically able should seek to assemble that they may provoke one another to love and good works.

Psalm 138:7-8

During these times when we cannot meet as often as we would like, here are a few verses and some thoughts to encourage us.

“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; do not forsake the works of Your hands.”

Psalm 138:7-8 (NASB)

These are definitely troubled times we are experiencing. The government is attempting to stop religious expression. At the same time, those same government orders classify liquor stores as essential businesses. Would we rather have people visiting a liquor store or visiting each other to sing praises to God?

Many brethren have conceded that the assembly of each local church is optional. Those who maintain the need to assemble run the risk of either being threatened by the government, rebuked by other Christians, or both. However, remember that the Lord will stretch out his right hand and save those who depend on him. He will accomplish his work concerning us when we trust and heed his instruction. We may endure affliction, but there is a greater work that is accomplished.

Throughout these troubled times both God’s care and love are unending. We may feel afraid, alone, or confused, but God is always there for those who trust him. We can put off those negative feelings because we know both they and this world are only temporary. After all of this passes, God will still be in control. He will not forsake the works of his hands—neither us nor the things we accomplish with him.

Let us stay strong, confident, and always be busy with the things of God.