But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. | 2 Corinthians 12:9–10
In the sermon this Sunday, we looked at how God works in His people toward sanctification, using pain and struggle in our lives to draw us closer in dependence to Him. This redefines the difficult things in this life. Paul tells us that this allows him to boast in weakness and to be content in calamities. That which was previously seen as nothing more than a problem to be avoided are now opportunities to place hope and trust in God. The difficult things of this world are moments for us to boast in weakness.
This should also change the questions that we ask when we respond to suffering. When we are faced with difficult trials, we should not begin with how to get out of it, but what we can do to worship in the midst of it. For us right now, our question should not be: how can we get things back to normal (especially as that reality seems further and further away)? But instead: how can we best show the love of Christ in the midst of this difficult time?
If you look at church history, you will see that this is the question that the church asked. The church in the first century was known for how they lived, but even more, how they cared for those around them. The church throughout time, even when doctrine was struggling, understood that they had a role in society to care for the weak, poor, and sick. This is not going to be some push toward a social gospel, but simply a recognition that the church is (and always has been) in a unique position to bring peace into the world during times of chaos.
In the midst of COVID and shutdowns, our focus should not be on what is being taken away, but on what we can do to share the love of Christ. We should do this, not because life isn’t difficult, but because things are difficult for everyone. The difference for us, is that God gives us the strength that we need when we come to Him in humility. He not only lifts us up, but gives us the strength to help carry others. As struggles surround us, here are some ways that we, as the church, can share God’s love to those around us:
1. Initiate relational contact: people are lonely; most likely you are too. The solution to this is not to dwell on loneliness or to lament that you don’t see people anymore, but to reach out. While we are limited in how we can gather, there are still plenty of ways to touch base and connect that people from every generation up to ours would be jealous of. Take advantage of this.
2. Be joyful and full of thanksgiving: joy is contagious. It is not hard to find things to complain about or to point out what is wrong. We also have so much to be thankful for. This is usually the season that people spend reflecting on this; take the time to be thankful.
3. Look for places where people are suffering: God has placed His people in all corners of the world; in numerous different families and neighborhoods. In this, the people of God are able to see into the dark corners and find those who are in need. Open your eyes and look around; find those who need a hand. This may be financial, this may be relational, this may be creating structure, this may be car repairs…needs come in all shapes and sizes.
4. Support those who are already pushing back against struggle: there are many agencies (and individuals), from Love INC, to Pregnancy Choices to Family Promise to New Earth Recovery (all groups that we support as a church), who are always working to help those in need. Right now, their work is increasing. There are things that you can do to help them take on this extra load.
5. Invest in community institutions: the places that make up the fabric of our local society: churches, business, non-profits, restaurants, and others businesses are struggling. These places are not just good, they are an important part of what it means to be part of a place. These institutions are going to play a role in our post-COVID healing. We need to make sure that the survive. Being strategic with how you spend your money, especially around the holidays, will help bring life to the places that our community needs.
Of course, there are many other things that you can do. My point is that asking the question: what can I do to help? takes the focus off of ourselves. This helps us. All of the things listed above are not only a means to care for others, but also bring joy to your own soul. It is not a mistake that our loving God, who wants what is best for us, commands us to serve. He knows that when we do not, and we instead focus inward, we spiral into depression and selfishness. It is only in admitting weakness and giving up the delusion that we can find fulfillment on our own, that we actually have our needs met.