Find ways to encourage one another
In response to the coronavirus pandemic as it became increasingly obvious that churches would no longer be able to hold worship, Bible study or fellowship in our buildings, a verse from the letter to the Hebrews came to mind that told Christ’s followers to not neglect to meet together.
I kept fretting about how we could continue to be the church if we could not gather with one another. Those words about the importance of gathering together with other believers is part of verses 24 and 25 of Hebrews, Chapter 10: “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Though we cannot meet together physically with our faith communities, there is nothing to prevent us from “provoking one another to good deeds” nor “encouraging one another.” My church, and other faith communities, are finding ways to live stream worship, to do Bible studies online, to connect with members of our congregation through email, mail and phone. It’s important for all of us to find ways to encourage and support one another.
This is an unsettling time for all people, even people who have faith in Christ who admonishes us not to fear. For Christians, we are in the season of Lent, a period of six weeks leading up to the grand celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Lent is a time of introspection often accompanied by some form of self-denial. I can think of no more fitting season on the Christian calendar for us to be fasting from one another. Traditionally, Easter Sunday worship services are the highest attended services of the entire year. However, this Easter, April 12, our church buildings will most likely be empty as we experience a prolonged season of Lent. I look forward to coming back to worship together on some Sunday weeks from now to proclaim in our gathered faith community that “Christ is Risen!”
In this time of shelter in place, though we cannot physically meet together, let us all find ways to encourage one another with phone calls, notes, emails, smiles and waves across “social distancing,” and expressions of gratitude to all who are providing essential services in our communities.