WATCHING OVER EACH OTHER IN LOVE DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

My sister-in-law, Kathy, sent me a cute video where a puppy gave us two-leggers some advice on coping with the coronavirus epidemic and it's restrictions.  The pup reminded us all about the importance of practicing social responsibility.

Social responsibility isn't a new concept for United Methodists.  In John Wesley's general rules for Methodists, he admonishes us to "watch over one another in love."  That is, in circumstances that involve our relationship with other people, base our decisions upon Christ's commandment to "love one another as I have loved others."  That means considering the needs and safety of others, not just our own.

Sure, not being able to meet as a congregation at this time, cancelling meetings, temporarily changing some of our worship practices when we are able to hold public worship services, shortages and additional precautions are frustrating and inconvenient.  Maybe we, personally don't feel like we're in any danger, but we need to remember a couples of things.

One, is that we're not as isolated living in small town, rural Iowa as we think we are.  We travel to different places to shop and receive medical services.  We use public restrooms and share gas pumps with people who are from different areas of the state. 

Secondly, while we personally may not be part of the group that is at the most risk, we worship, shop and interact with people who are.  Watching over one another in love,  being socially responsible requires that we take care so that we are not exposing those who are at risk to influenza (which is still going around) and the coronavirus.

So, limit your contact with others and keep washing your hands with soap and water.  Don't panic, but be lovingly cautious.  Encourage one another and be patient.  Pray for one another and for those who are affected by the epidemic.  Watch over one another in love.

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