I am shocked and saddened by what I see in the world around me right now.
The first week or two during the Covid-19 outbreak here in the US, my feed was filled with funny memes and joking.
Then people became serious.
Somehow, the issue of whether Covid-19 is a dangerous virus or not, whether we wear face masks or not, and many more "hot topics" have become polarizing issues.
I am very concerned about the apparent lack of love.
Personally, I am not very afraid of the virus. It currently looks, to me, like it will be a new threat we have to face, from this point forward, and we're going to have to figure out how we are going to do that. I also don't know what exactly that should look like.
I don't like wearing masks. I do choose to wear one. I believe that the governors who have issued face mask orders have probably saved hundreds (or more) of lives, for now. I do know we're wearing masks more for others than for ourselves. I am very concerned about the impact long-term mask wearing may have on society and face-to-face interraction!
I am not offended by you, if you're don't wear a mask. I hope you are not offended by me, if I wear a mask.
It is such a tricky issues that our health officials and leaders are having trouble deciding which calls to make themselves. Of course people will also be struggling with where they stand on the issues.
I understand if you're feeling your rights are being stepped on. I understand if you're scared of Covid-19. I understand if you are not scared of it, and don't want to take any precautions. I don't really mind where you happen to fall on the issues, as long as you're being careful if you have tested positive to not be spreading it to others. :) (And I think most people will do that.)
I wanted to get on and post how discouraged I was by the lack of Christian love in our country right now. But then the Lord reminded me of the verses from my Bible reading today...
"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:7-8)
Discouragement melts away before the truth of such verses.
I am not sure why there is such a noticeable lack of love between "brethren" in the midst of today's issues, but I am SO GLAD the the coming of the Lord draws nigh.
Even if it is not in my lifetime, I'm reminded that this entire life is not even a drop in an entire ocean when compared with eternity. And eternity with our Lord will be very good. :)
I just want to "stablish my heart"... and be patient in the Lord, whatever comes.
Thank You, Lord, for such specific encouragement found in your Word for today's issues! Please remind Your children to love, as You have loved us. Help us to hear You, and find a way to stand in this evil world, shining Your light to those around us. Thank you for You love!
