This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

1 John 4:9-11

 

I detect a lot of warmth between people now-a-days—even those who don’t know each other well. More and more we’re caring about each others’ welfare. We have so much in common. We can relate on so many levels.

Together we ask, “What’s God doing in our world?”

We’re on common ground in that great big room called social distancing. Separated from friends and family. But for the safety of the world, accepting that this is what we must suffer for today. Interestingly, I’ve heard some say that this isn’t so bad after all. Many of us have adjusted to this way of life.

But I’ve been wondering: With all the social distancing today, will we remember how to come close to each other again when restrictions are lifted? Or will we—out of habit—continue walking big circles around others when we pass them in the street? Will we even feel a bit of residual fear when having guests into our homes? Will we feel safe hugging our friends when the ok is given?

I hope and pray that God will help us feel secure with each other in the way we used to feel secure. “…since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” …and we should love each other with all our hearts—fearlessly.

While we’re still in this mode, we must work at maintaining intimacy with those we love, even if we can’t be physically close. Even if we  can’t visit in each others’ homes.

Stay in contact with family and friends. Not only by email, but through phone calls and visits in the park. Tell them how you care about them, how you miss them, how you look forward to being with them again.

One more thing: You may think this strange. But it wouldn’t hurt to give your pillow a good strong hug now and then, giving it the name of someone you care about. We need to stay in practise.

And about the question we were asking: “What’s God doing in our world?”

With hope I look to the possibility that God might make good come out of this crisis. I see him, more than ever before, bringing the world together in a common pursuit for friendship and good health. I see him bringing us together in a common pursuit for the love he intended us to have for each other all along.

Here’s a great rendition of He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands with the strong voice of Laurie London. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12CmOw5MY0E

marja