What Is This Coronavirus?
There seems to be a lot of confusion about this virus, starting with its name. Coronavirus is a family of viruses that include common colds, seasonal flu, MERS, and SARS. The World Health Organization has given this particular coronavirus the acronym COVID-19 for “coronavirus disease 2019”. Its actual name is SARS-CoV-2, although that is seldom used by the press.
This coronavirus originated in China and seems related to the wildlife trade there. It is highly infectious and seems to have a mortality rate of around 3-4%, although that is still not known for sure. At the time of this writing, it has spread through most of the world. The impact though is forecast to continue to increase for the next few months with potentially millions of people dying from it.
By Joel Ryan (scriptures added by me)
In just a few short weeks, classification of the coronavirus (COVID-19) escalated from outbreak, to epidemic, to global pandemic; and President Trump declared an official state of emergency for the United States and its citizens. And as anyone reading this knows, the impact of this kind of global crisis extends far beyond the sickness itself.
There is not a person on this earth who hasn’t been impacted by the coronavirus, in one way or another, and right now, many people are anxious, on edge, and afraid. Some have even gone to the extreme, bunkering down and “panic purchasing” toilet paper, respiratory masks, and bottled water in preparation for the “end of the world.”
Everyone will react to crisis and fear in different ways, but in trying and uncertain times like these, how should Christians respond? When the rest of the world is afraid and loses hope, how can Christians still bring the life and love of Jesus Christ to a sick and dying world?
Here are 10 things Christians can do in faithful response to COVID-19:
1. Stay Informed and Only Spread Truthful Information
It doesn’t take a lot to cause a panic. It takes even less for people to fall into fear or turn to their own self-preservation. Right now, we’re seeing a lot of reacting, and not all reactions are positive or even rational.
This is a medical emergency, and there are many people around the world who are sick and suffering. Ignorance and complacency kill, but so can panic, and sometimes our response to crisis can be just as dangerous than the threat itself.
That is why Christians can help by seeking out accurate information from medical organizations like the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization and only sharing facts and truthful information, not more hysteria or misinformation through social media or word of mouth.
Philippians 4:8 NLT And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Proverbs 11:14 NLT Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.
This is a medical crisis, but a world living in fear is also a spiritual crisis. After all, no one benefits from a confused, fearful, and self-centered world more than Satan.
2. Do Not Surrender to Fear
While the world lives in fear, Christians must look to the peace and power of God and be the living the hope found in His name. Faith can be an antidote to fear, and nothing strengthens a believer’s faith like the promises of God.
Isaiah 41:10 NLT Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
1 Timothy 1:7 NLT They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
Isaiah 26:3 NLT You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
1 John 4:18, 20 NLT Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?
3. Practice Personal Hygiene
This seems like the most obvious response to fighting an infectious disease, but knowing what steps the Center for Disease Control actually recommend can go a long way to help prevent sickness and dramatically reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Christians must have a global outlook. Remember, it’s not just about you. Just because you are healthy and strong enough to fight off the virus doesn’t mean that others around you will be. And just because you don’t currently have symptoms doesn’t mean you aren’t infected or incapable of spreading the virus to others.
**If you’re not sick:
-Avoid close contact with those who are.
-Thoroughly and frequently wash your hands.
-Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.
-If you can avoid public places, stay home!
-Understand that quarantines will help slow the spread of COVID-19.
If you are sick or think you might be sick:
-Stay home. Seriously. Consider your impact.
-Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
-Wash your hands frequently!
-Disinfect surfaces you’ve touched.
-Wear a face mask if available. If not, cover your nose and mouth.
This is a time, more than ever, for Christians to step up and care for the sick by being socially conscious, considerate, and diligent in practicing personal hygiene.
Leviticus 19:32 NLT “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord .
4. Choose Compassion over Personal Convenience
As mentioned before, a global pandemic like the coronavirus impacts more than just our physical health and well-being. To reduce the spread of the virus, most event centers, sporting arenas, and public gatherings have been temporarily closed and their events canceled or postponed.
While this may feel extreme, canceling or postponing large public gatherings, even ones we enjoy, dramatically reduces the number of people who will be exposed to the coronavirus in the coming months. In doing so, lives will be saved.
Yes, our personal comforts and entertainment may be restricted or put on hold, but not going to Disneyland, Coachella, or the Lakers’ game is a small price to pay for the health and safety of others around the world, even those we have not met.
Christians who complain about all the things they have to give up in this season while people in the world suffer are not practicing the love and compassion of the Jesus they claim to serve.
Romans 12:15 NLT Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.
As Paul wrote, “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 2:4-5 NLT Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
5. Don’t Buy What You Don’t Need
In being willing to sacrifice for the good of others, Christians should also be considerate and not buy more than they need. It’s wise to prepare for the future, but that doesn’t mean Christians should stockpile supplies that are desperately needed elsewhere. “Panic purchasing” and stockpiling has led to the kind of shortages we’ve seen in recent weeks.
**Christians can help by:
-Refraining from buying respiratory masks. Surgical masks are essential for doctors and nurses, and without them, they cannot effectively treat sick patients, including those with coronavirus.
-Washing their hands with soap when possible and saving the hand sanitizer for nurses, first responders, and trauma centers.
-Saving bottled water for those who do not have immediate access to clean running water. Use the tap or filtered water first.
-Saving baby wipes for babies. There are other ways to clean and sanitize one’s house.
Remember, God has promised to be your daily bread (Luke 11:1-4) and provide for all of your needs (Philippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34).
Luke 11:1-4 NLT Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Jesus said, “This is how you should pray: “Father, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation. ”
Philippians 4:19 NLT And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:25-34 NLT “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. (emphasis mine)
As Jesus said, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
With most schools shut down and many businesses closed, a lot of people are out of work for the foreseeable future, and many parents, who would normally be working, are now forced to stay home to take care of their children.
Shutdowns and temporary quarantines have had an unintended effect on the financial stability of families and the well-being of the children in them.
In many cities, schools provide the only meals children get each day. This is why many schools in cities like Los Angeles and New York were hesitant to shut down, and with parents forced to stay home from work, things can get even tougher for families struggling to make ends meet.
**So what can Christians do?
-Be generous and give to families in need.
-Donate money to help children and fund shut-down schools.
-Pray for Congress to pass more legislation guaranteeing paid sick leave for families out of work.
-Ask about the needs of your neighbors and go out of your way to meet them.
-Turn to out-of-work parents, artists, performers, and educators for childcare and other jobs.
The apostle John wrote, “if anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)
Like it or not, the time for generosity is now. How will Christians respond? Will they be stingy or quick to provide for “the least of these”?
Matthew 25:34-41, 43-46 NLT “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
7. Don’t Isolate Yourself from the Body of ChristOur church announced that it was canceling Sunday services for the foreseeable future. While I hope this is only temporary, shutdowns like this do not mean that the church must cease to be the Body of Christ.
Even if they cannot meet in person in their normal buildings, or together in small groups, Christians must stay in contact with fellow believers and encourage them through text messages, phone calls, and even FaceTime or Skype. Thankfully, there are still many resources available, the greatest of which is prayer.
The Apostle Paul was often prevented from meeting with churches and believers in person. This did not stop him from writing to fellow believers or praying for them from where he was.
Romans 1:8-12 NLT Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Today, we have the same spiritual resources available to Paul and even in more communications resources. Let’s use them and not make excuses.
1 Peter 3:8 NLT Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
Again, no one benefits from an isolated and divided church more than Satan.
8. Be the Church
In the midst of fear and uncertainty, Christians have a tremendous opportunity to be the salt and light of the world.
Matthew 5:13-16 NLT “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Imagine what the next few months could look like if the church took the lead on giving, compassion, and community care during this trying season. What an impact we could make and what a light we could be.
The greatest testimony of Christ’s love is Christians who love the world the way Christ does.
John 3:16 NLT “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
1 John 4:19 NLT We love each other because he loved us first.
By our love, the world will know we are His.
John 13:34-35 NLT So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Global disaster or opportunity to be the light and love, hands and feet of Jesus Christ? We get to decide.
Colossians 3:12 NLT Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
9. Unleash the Power of Prayer
There are many ways to react to a public health crisis like the coronavirus. But in this season, Christians have the power to do more than react. Now is the time for Christ’s followers to truly go on the offensive and unleash the power of prayer.
-Pray for healing for the sick.
James 5:14-15 NLT Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.
-Pray for strength for those who aren’t sick.
3 John 1:2 NLT Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.
-Pray for provision (both financial and physical)
Philippians 4:19 NLT And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
-Pray for a spirit of peace to come over the world.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
-Pray for wisdom for those in authority.
1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
-Pray in unity with other believers.
Matthew 18:20 NLT For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”
-Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
10. Put your Hope and Trust in the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
While the coronavirus may impact our health, our economy, and our very way of life, we serve a God who is bigger and stronger than any sickness, fear, darkness, or weapon of the enemy, and He has a plan.
Jeremiah 29:11 NLT For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord . “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
**Our God is Healer.
Psalms 30:2 NLT O Lord my God, I cried to you for help, and you restored my health.
Our God is a Provider.
Philippians 4:19 NLT And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Our God is King.
Psalms 47:7 NLT For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm.
So trust in the Lord, trust in His power, trust in His plan, and stand firm in His promises.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Be the church and the light and love of Jesus Christ to a sick and frightened world. And when you too are afraid, never forget that “weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.”
Psalms 30:5 NLT For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.
More From Me
As Christians, we need to respond appropriately.
The first thing that we should do is to follow the directions of our government and medical experts. Keep your hands clean. Avoid crowds. Keep your distance from other people. Take advantage of the opportunity to strengthen relationships within your family.
But, as Christians, there is more that we can do. Take the time you have while off from school or work to work on your relationship with God. Pray, read and study your Bible, and practice spiritual disciplines. Reach out to your neighbors. Even while taking all of the appropriate precautions, you can still be in contact with your neighbor and let them know you care and are available to help them. And be a quiet calming influence on those you connect with online. There is much fear-mongering and fake news circulating about this virus. Rather than fuel the anxiety that is going around, share the love of Christ.
Remember that this will be behind us someday. It is not the end. Live in such a way now that you glorify God. And, when this is over, your response to this virus and social disruption will continue to bear testimony to the goodness and love of God.
Viewed through the right lens, the coronavirus crisis can be a conduit of blessings to you and through you to others. Don’t miss those opportunities to grow and allow God’s blessings to flow.