LOVE IN THE TIME OF THE CORONAVIRUS

It was wonderful to see so many join us at our first Online Church yesterday. 

We will be back again next week on Sunday at:

10:00am: http://www.stjamesberala.org.au/online

4:30pm: http://www.lighthouseberala.com/online

Make sure you make every effort to join us!  In these times of trouble — we must not stop meeting together!

Jesus says in John 13:34-35:

34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

One of the things that make followers of Jesus different is that we love each other.  We love each other because Jesus loved us.  And the model of love is the love of Jesus for us.  A love that knows no bounds.  A love that was radical in its commitment.  A love that is radically self-sacrificial - giving his life for us.

With that in mind - how are to love each other in the time of the coronavirus?

Your priority is to love your brothers and sisters in your discipleship group.  This is your support group, and our primary way of caring for each other.  If you're not in a support group - email me now to get into one (mike@stjamesberala.org.au).

It is NEVER too late to join a discipleship group!

Here's some ways to love each other in the time of the coronavirus:

Turn up to your Discipleship Group.  

If you're not turning up - you can't love your group members.

Have a group chat for your discipleship group. 

Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and Weibo are all great ways to do this. 

A group chat is a great way to share prayer points, and stay in contact with each other during the week.

Each week, call or message 2 other members of your group to personally check on them.

Make sure they are OK, ask if there's anything you can do for them, or pray for them.When you contact each other - how can you be loving? 

Ask "How are you".

Check how people are responding to the virus.  Ask how their headspace is. Listen for any emotions they mention, and follow up on that.

Be prayerful. 

Spend time each day praying. Spend time praying with your group members, and about their concerns.

Pray that God will lead you to people needing care.

Listen in love. 

Listening is a beautiful gift in a busy world. In listening we show God's love, and the love of His body the church in a real way.

Calm things down - don't freak people out.  

This is a very anxious, worrying time.  For those who follow Jesus, there is no need to worry. We need to listen without freaking people out.  Don't share rumours. Encourage people to trust the governing authorities. And be calm.  Being calm and compassionate will help others be calm and compassionate.

Times change, but God doesn't. God is loving, in control, is trustworthy and very very good.  He is our rock and fortress, and our hope in trouble.

Offer to share a part of the Bible that has comforted and encouraged you personally.

Or you might like to use one of these - Psalm 23; Psalm 27; Psalm 46; Romans 8:31-39; Philippians 4:6- 9; 1 Peter 5:6-7.

This week - make an effort to love and care for each other!

Let me finish with the words of 1 Peter 5:5-7:

6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

Let us use this time to humble ourselves before God, and give our worries and cares to God - for he cares deeply about us.

In Christ
Mike Doyle