COVID-19: The Art of Neighboring in the Midst of a Pandemic (Part2)
In this season of pandemic awareness, we who follow Jesus must provide opportunity for the Gospel to win its place in the hearts of people.
This idea sits at the core of what the art of neighboring is about. It is taking time to befriend the people our busy lives may have otherwise overlooked or eliminated altogether. When we talk about the art of neighboring we are suggesting you share your life with other people around you.
Here is the thing that can get in the way: Sometimes the people living next door or down the hall are very different from us.
And if you live in a place like the Clintonville neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio (where we live), and you happen to be a Christian, the chances are really high the people living on each side of you think and live very differently from you. We have to figure out a way to build a bridge into their lives, so when the time comes, i. e. when they have a spiritual question, they have a way to cross over the bridge into your life.
What we are talking about is crossing cultures to learn about others, which is a much better activity for us to participate in rather than being angry or frustrated or defensive. Instead, we can communicate, encourage, and help one another get through this tough pandemic season … and we think those who follow Jesus should lead the way.
We must step out and find a way to make a difference in the people around us by shepherding those who live around the corner or down the hallway.
As COVID-19 continues to capture the minds and hearts of people all around us we must…
live out a faith in God that moves mountains to see what all He might do through us and, even at times, for us
give away the incredible hope we have found in Jesus Christ to other people
let others see the way in which Christ strengthens us to meet the need while difficulties rage all around our lives
be the voice and hands of our Lord so the mercy of God, that yields healing for our bodies, hearts, and minds, is knowingly available to those around us
In this season, with all the concerns a pandemic brings, we must be the people of God who live our lives as a missionary right where He has planted us.
Let each of us go ahead and create possibilities for the People of Peace God places around us. They need to hear the Good News, so show them. Move forward with an informed faith and provide opportunity for the Gospel to win its place in the hearts of people.