Five Ways to Bless the Church During Coronavirus

The Apostle Paul encouraged the church in Ephesus, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15-17). Especially in days like these—where uncertainty abounds and our routines have been disrupted—it’s important to be careful, wise, and not wasteful. Here are five encouragements for you as you plan for the days ahead.

1. Remember your family in Christ.

As many churches across the United States are halting corporate worship services in order to abide by CDC recommendations and love their neighbors by “flattening the curve,” we are reminded of our brothers and sisters throughout the world for whom corporate worship isn’t a weekly privilege. As a pastor, I was saddened not to gather together with the people of our church, but the circumstances have made me think of the Christians in North Korea, or parts of the Middle-East, where Sunday fellowship isn’t a given. I’m also reminded of the believers who are currently incarcerated throughout the United States who don’t have access to good Bible teaching and who have difficulty meeting under the word.

Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.” As many of us get a small taste of what it’s like not to have the sweetness of the corporate gathering, let us give thanks to God for his kind provision over the years (how we’ve taken it for granted!) and remember in our prayers the dear saints who have been seeking to faithfully follow Jesus without the ordinary blessing of church on Sunday.