“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-17)
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.” (Jesus, Mark 9:41)
As the COVID-19 crisis lengthens, more and more people are feeling the strain of the combined health, social, and economic situation. We as Christians, the ones who know that God holds all things in His hands, have an amazing opportunity to serve as His hands and feet in this difficult time. First, we can ask the Holy Spirit to show us the brothers and sisters we might assist. Certainly, we could find someone in our church family who needs a phone call, a grocery delivery, or a helping hand with some yard work. Let’s not wait for someone else to fill the gap; let’s step up with “faith demonstrated in action.”
Further, in the midst of the uncertainty, worry, and instability, we can ask God to give us spiritual eyes to see the needs of those in our relationship circles who do not yet have a connection with Jesus. Allow the Holy Spirit to show you practical ways you can demonstrate the love of Christ to neighbors, co-workers, or friends—“cups of water” that need not be elaborate, but which speak hope in the midst of crisis.
Yes, these times require that we be watchful and wise about our personal health and our life situations. Still, we must not allow “self-preservation” to fill our frame of reference. Instead, as children of a Heavenly Father who sustains us, we can look beyond ourselves and be agents of God’s love in action. As Galatians 6:9-10 suggests, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”