How to react to COVID-19

First, we, as followers of Christ, must remember that our God is “refuge and power, very real help in poor times” (Psalm 46: 1). God has not given us the spirit of fear. We should not panic. Heavenly Father is still omniscient, always present, almighty God.

Secondly, we need to pray for all those who become infected, those who will, and their families. We need to pray that God will save the world from this threat to human health and well-being. We need to pray for the wisdom, attitude, and protection of our national, state, and local leaders as they strive to fulfill their oath of defense for the citizen. 

Third, we need to take the necessary precautions. Listen to medical experts. Be informed, sensitive and wise about how we approach this pandemic. Actually, not doing so would be a sin of presumption (assuming that the Holy Spirit will protect you when you neglect prudence and opinion, because you are doing the work of the Lord, you can be freed from healthy medical advice). For example, if the authorities recommend not holding meetings for more than a hundred people, is the presumption of the church going forward and providing their services in person, rather than in-line? I hope not.

Fourth, do not knowingly do anything that could put someone else at risk. Seek help from those who need help in dealing with the consequences of getting a virus or getting into it. And during this whole process, we, as followers of Christ, should always remember and have in our minds the command of the Lord Jesus “to love our neighbor as ourselves” (Mark 12:31) and “do to others as you receive them” do to you ” (Luke 6:31). Let us all pray that when we look back at this crisis, our American colleagues will see this episode of our history as one that reflects the merit of the Lord whom we serve when they see His work in us, when we serve them.