Love More & Complain Less

It has really bothered me seeing people minimizing the danger of COVID-19 and ridiculing efforts to protect and save lives (and keep hospitals from being overwhelmed).

We still don't know everything about this virus.

Many people have gotten horribly sick (worse than the flu), many have been on ventilators, and many have died (and they aren't all in Heaven). 

Many more would have died if not for the early efforts that some people complain about. 

The family of the 5-year-old in Michigan are going to miss their daughter (in case people don't care about those who die who are older or have other health problems...which they should). 

If you know people who are elderly or have other health issues, do you quickly dismiss their health and their lives?

Most people (if not all) in my immediate family fit into the higher risk category.

A lot of people died in New York, but perhaps some aren't affected by that...if you don't live there. 

I've heard a guy in a live-stream talk about how he was shaking the whole bed being so horribly sick. 

Another lady (another Christian) prayed she would die, it was so awful, and those were cases where they stayed out of the hospital.

Another guy (and this is someone I was acquainted with in the past) was in a coma at a hospital on a ventilator for some time. 

I read about another guy whose organs nearly shut down. 

Then there are those who did not live...husbands, mothers, and others who will be missed by people.

Yes, those of us who belong to the Lord will go to be with the Lord, and God will be with us in our sickness. 

I'll admit that being horribly sick does frighten me.  

I already have a number physical problems.  

I don't like to feel crummy, but I already have feelings of unwellness often (and dizziness).

There are those who are blessed and have coronavirus mildly or are asymptomatic (though they may spread it to others), but a lot of people who get it do not consider it a picnic. 

Even churches have lost pastors. 

Those who have lost loved ones will not be impressed by bravado or mockery of those trying to make decisions to save lives. 

Christians should be willing to sacrifice for the health of others despite knowing that those in Christ who die will have joy and not suffer any more. 

We, of all people, should care about eternal souls, and we as Christians should be patient and good citizens.

If we complain all over social media about temporary rules, does that make us a better witness to the world?

This isn't about persecution for the most part.

Sure, some politicians will not always be consistent, but within their worldview many of them are doing their best.

Now, I realize some people are hurting financially, and that is why it is good to cautiously move toward opening things up when possible.

As Christians, we should pray for authorities to make wise decisions.

If you can help someone else in need, that is a great thing to do.

I realize I've vented a bit on here.  

I still care about those who disagree with me, and I know I need to be more patient with others.

I would like to copy what I saw on another blog for my next post (to be encouraging).

What is one way you have seen God using this time for good?

I would like to get responses to choose from.

Turmoil & Love of the Brethren

There are so many things going on in the world that are stressful. 

Earthquakes, tornadoes, unrest between people, drought, persecution, and apostasy.

Conflicts without and fears within. 

 

If you are Christ's and you are depressed, God is the Comforter of the depressed.  If we are suffering, God will never forsake us as His children.   It's easy to despair if we forget God is working the best for us and that Heaven will be more joyous for those who have been purified and perfected by trials.

 

Sometimes conflicts come from other brothers and sisters in Christ.  Sometimes confrontation is necessary when there is sin and error, but other times we wound each other forgetting that we are all in a process of sanctification.  While we must not compromise Biblical doctrine and false teachers must be called out (especially by church leaders), we can't forget that there are true Christians who are at different levels of spiritual growth.   It may be hard for us to remember Galatians 6:1 even in the times when someone does sin.   We hurt the reputation of Christ in the world bickering about eschatology, Theonomy, etc.  It isn't that those things aren't important, and individual churches should have people willing to be united in their teaching to prevent factions. 

The internet is another world, but even at that - all true Christians should be united on the essentials of the Gospel. 

Sadly, many people do not know what the essentials are and are tossed to and fro, while others act like things are essential that aren't. 

 

People are sinners, and Christians are sinners that have been forgiven by God and in need of patience and grace from God and by other Christians.  I struggle with and strive to forgive other believers.  Christ has forgiven me, and while I may feel I have much knowledge - I still wonder at God not giving up on me with all my sinfulness.  I have a long ways to go in the process of being conformed to Christ's image in my character and in my thoughts.

 

How much do I love enemies?  Sometimes we treat other Christians as enemies when we shouldn't. 

 

Recently I was reminded to pray for enemies, and it helped me in my conversations on Twitter with those who call themselves "atheists."  You actually begin to care about those you pray for.

 

As Christians, did we always know as much as we know now, and in twenty years will we look back and have no mercy on our old selves?

Knowledge can puff up, but love edifies. 

One may say they have love, but they lack knowledge.  Another may have all doctrine right, but if they don't live it and love others they will separate themselves and fall into disobedience.

 

Recently, I was able to do some hobby things when my hands were feeling up to it.

I did some bead hat bands and this painting.  I decided to share the painting with those who look at my blog.