For God has destined us not for wrath but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep we may live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4

The COVID pandemic has challenged us in a number of ways. One of the biggest being our ability to safely get together for fellowship. Certainly, some of us have had a “bubble” of immediate family or close friends to visit with, but many of our church family have not had much social interaction outside of their household. For nearly a year now, we have gone without gathering together, without face-to-face conversations, without going out to eat with good company, and without hugging. This is a big deal! I invite you to reach out to a friend or a Christian brother or sister.

During this long stretch of socially distant months, I’m confident that there are a few folks that you have wondered about: “I wonder how he is doing?” or “I hope that she has some family who have reached out to her.” or “I haven’t heard anything from them for a while, I hope they are doing ok.” Take a few moments today to answer those questions. Call someone that God has put on your heart. Reach out to that friend and check in on them. Find out how they are really doing. Sharing joys and concerns and a word of Christian love with our neighbors is life-giving. Go, be a part of the body of Christ today by being in fellowship with our community of faith.

Prayer

Holy God, we thank You for the gift of relationships and for the opportunity to share Your love with those around us. Be with those who are lonely and who struggle in this time of isolation. Empower us to be Your hands, feet, and voice in this world. May we lift up one another in love. In Your name we prayer, Amen.