Trinity Questions #1: Suggested Application

Yesterday we briefly considered the attitude that Christians are called to embody at all times—especially during times of crisis, like we are currently facing.

Today I'd like to think together about some possible ways to apply this in our lives right now. Please note that these are suggested application points, not mandates or direct instructions. And they are just the beginning of a potentially long list of suggestions, so please add your own ideas to the mix!

First Corinthians 10:23–24, the main passage we looked at yesterday, mentioned three particulars to pay attention to: things that are helpful, things that build up, and things that seek the good of neighbor. Let's consider some ways that those might find direct application right now.

• As we think of neighbors: who are your literal neighbors, the people that live closest to your home? What are ways that you could do things that are for their good right now? Someone posted a note they had sent to all of their neighbors, offering to help them by getting them groceries, pick up prescriptions from the pharmacy, or other errands they may not be able to do themselves. Even if you don't know your neighbors very well, an offer to serve them would be a great act of neighbor love.
• Also related to "the good of neighbor": as long as the spread of this virus is such a grave concern, the practice of "social distancing"—keeping a space of about six feet between you and anyone else—is not just an act of self-preservation but also one of love for neighbor, because it respects their need to keep from infection as well as your own. Even for someone we might feel inclined to greet with more affection, a hug or handshake at this particular time is inconsiderate and unloving.
• It's been surprising to see the "hoarding" of staple goods during this pandemic. This strikes me as a perfect example of something that might be "lawful" but that isn't helpful or building up of others. Christians shouldn't take more than their "share" of even the most vital items. We might even consider foregoing our own needs or desires for the sake of others, and simply not buying an item so someone else can have it. One person recognized that items marked for "WIC" (the "women, infants, and children" food program) should be skipped over by those who aren't enrolled in WIC, so that WIC mothers would have them to buy. This kind of decision is helpful and builds others up.
• One way we can consider others, love them, and build them up is to keep in mind that those around us may be facing this crisis in challenging ways. They may be struggling to pay rent or afford groceries; they might have lost their job and be fearful about the future. It could be they someone close to them is sick from the virus or otherwise. Those who struggle with depression or anxiety could be seeing those struggles flare up in difficult ways. Love is patient and kind, and exercising some extra grace toward others is definitely called for during a time like this.

How can the church be actively serving our community in love right now?

• We are going to make sure that everyone in our own church community has what they need. Much as we do during a time of particular need when we coordinate meals for others, we will do all we can to coordinate meals, groceries, and/or other necessities for those families in our congregation that cannot get them for themselves.
• We want to support the community of Rossville as much as we can. Over the next week our leadership will be in touch with the governing leaders of Rossville and Fayette county to find out how we might play a role in supporting them. We will also be in touch with the Rossville Fire Department, with whom we have had occasional opportunities to be supportive, to learn what they might need and whether we can provide that.
• We are also tentatively planning to set up a Little Free Pantry on the church grounds for those in the immediate area to make use of, which may be particularly helpful during this season when groceries and other household needs are in shorter supply.

Again, these are just a few ideas for application of this attitude that we are called to live out. What ideas do YOU have for this, that we could add to the list?