We all know that we are in the middle of a medical pandemic, and that a secondary effect of that pandemic is an economic recession. These two crises constantly scream at us in our headlines. But there is a third crisis that has come about as a result of these two crises: a relational recession. Because of social distancing, we are cut off from many of the normal types of social interaction that typically nourish us. Here are some of our new realities:
What should love look like during a pandemic? Here are the qualities of love Paul lists in 1 Corinthians 13, each with a practical application relevant to today’s circumstances.
You may not be getting much positive relational input these days. But there is an infinitely deep well of compassion we can draw on daily: the love of God. Jesus said in John 7:37-38, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” The love of God is an inexhaustible well that we can draw from daily. In addition, we should use every possible means to receive healthy human interaction. We must have discernment to turn down the volume on those sources of interaction that fill us with anger and anxiety and turn up the volume on those that build us up. When we do those things we will have more than enough to meet our own needs and share with those around us. People around us are running on empty relationally. Even while we are observing social distancing, we can still find ways to demonstrate God’s love. |