“’So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.’” — John 13:34-35
This is one of the last things that Jesus said to His disciples. He told them to love one another and it would prove to the world that they were His disciples. He wants this for us, too.
I believe satan is trying to use the craziness going on in our world right now to destroy people. He wants to keep them isolated (even if it’s just in their heads) and away from the flock that can support them. But we don’t need to be afraid. We have something greater in us (than what is in the world). We have Jesus.
Just because we have to stay at home, doesn’t mean we can’t still love as much (or even more) than we were before. Loving and being there for each other has certainly taken a shift from being in person to social isolation. And I get that, but it doesn’t change the command Jesus gave us. We need to pivot our thinking and actions; we need to continue to do what’s right. We need to love people as Christ loves us.
Stay Connected
We need to put extra energy into the relationships in our lives. It doesn’t matter what your living situation is (lots of family, living alone, roommates). We are emotional beings and staying connected is very necessary. Reaching out to others will go a long way.
- Virtual Coffee: Set up a time and do a coffee date over a video chat.
- Play Video Games: This might sound odd, but one way I have been able to stay connected is by playing Mario Kart with friends and family. There are many apps out there to help you get together and play some really fun games.
- Prayer Walks: Plan a time to get outside to walk and pray (or try it with someone over the phone).
- Prayer Lists: Find out how you can best pray for people. What they are struggling with? Is it staying at home? The stress of not working? Being with kids more and homeschooling? Fear or anxiety? Pray for them and connect with them throughout the week.
Support Those in Need
Many people are out of jobs or having financial struggles. Look for ways you can support them.
- Start with Your Small Group: Ask your Small Group if they know someone who has a specific need right now (whether they attend our church or not).
- Donate to a Local Organization: There are some really great organizations (like the Utah Food Bank) who are in need of funds so they can help others. Check out The Rock Cares page on our website for partner ministries you can support.
- Check Your Neighborhood App: There are apps that connect you to your neighbors. They help give you the opportunities to serve others — like going to the store, dropping off food and helping with physical needs (ie: lawn mowing).
Share with Others
People are in front of their devices more than ever. It’s a great way to share the Gospel with those who might not ever step foot in a church.
- Share Our Livestreams: On the weekend, share one of our streaming services. It’s been super encouraging to see people sharing with others and discovering people watching church (who normally wouldn’t go)! It’s such an easy win.
- Share Encouraging Thoughts and Verses: You never know what kind of influence you might have by simply sharing a thought or verse. Do it!
- Share Ways to Make an Impact: A great example I have seen is Samaritan’s Purse. They are jumping in with “pop-up” hospitals in countries who need the help. The stories are incredible and God-focused. They are doing life-changing work.
Think about those people in your life who you can reach out to today. How can you display the love of Christ to them? We all need to be creative and not hold back. Satan wants us to be home, isolated, in our own heads and thinking only of ourselves. Let’s beat him! We can (and must) be the love of Christ in all circumstances.
My challenge for you is to find new ways you can show the love of Jesus to others!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor