As followers of Jesus Christ we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us. In light of all that is taking place around us because of the coronavirus there will be plenty of important opportunities for us to show love. Below are some things to consider as we consider how we can continue to live in community with one another in our small groups.
1st. If you, a family member, a roommate, or some one you recently interacted with are sick please refrain from attending a small group. Out of love for others please consider others more highly than yourself and stay home. Thankfully we live in an age of technology where you can participate in the meeting either through a speaker phone or video call.
2nd. Please take time to thoroughly wash your hands throughout the day and be cautious of others if you feel a sneeze coming on. Even though these might seem like small things to do they both are always at or near the top of the list that medical professionals recommend doing to help others healthy.
3rd. Be cautious with things like hand shakes and hugs. At times the right thing to do is to offer a hug when someone is in need of one but please be sensitive to offer a hug only during those times.
4th. Take time to pray for whoever is hosting your group. Pray that God would keep their home healthy, that He would help them to trust in Him, and that He would fill them with His joy.
5th. Seek as many opportunities as you can to show practical love to others in your group. Could you write letters of encouragement? Could you help your host do a deep clean before and after others arrive? Could you help care for the children? Could you help make a meal for others who were not able to make it?
6th. Work hard to see and to convey to your group the evidence of God’s grace whether it be in His promises to us in His Word or in providential blessings that are around us. Let us not waste this time by being crippled by fear, worry, and anxiety, but may we use this time to ever more boldly declare the glory of God!