So I'm never into the things people say like "God created <insert things> to punish <insert subject"!" But recently a friend posted on Facebook that they believe COVID is Gods way of punishing the world, more so America for what its become.
Usually I'd say God doesn't purposely create such things. But then again I am reminded the bible does say God will judge countries and bring His "wrath" upon them. And as we know America is far from what it used to be. So I am conflicted on how to feel about COVID. Way before COVID was a thing I always believed America would answer for the path its taken and would fall like Rome. Granted COVID isn't going to make America fall.
How do you feel about it?
I feel that God could be using COVID-19 for a purpose, not a punishment. This pandemic is actively teaching us how deeply interconnected our lives are to one another, despite distances and differences. It's both frightening and beautiful to see the extent to which we are impacted by people we'll likely never know, how an infectious disease in one part of the world needs to be considered a concern for all in the world. This virus has transcended beyond all barriers that divide us, literally and figuratively. It's pushed us to unify in various ways. Scientists living thousands of miles apart are collectively pushing to find treatments and create an effective vaccine, and being rooted for by millions. People are reaching out to another, finding ways to connect to hearts and minds when they cannot connect face-to-face. Yes, of course there's still animosity and discord, there's hucksters to exploit, as there always has been, but there's also a surge of ingenuity and effort to give comfort and joy to others, even strangers. We are socially and spiritually connecting while physical distancing. I have friends from around the world who've been joining me for my hometown's online worship (and you are welcome to join, too! -
WATCH | Bel Air Church)
We've seen exceptional acts as service and sacrifice, of nurses and doctors who bravely persevere in treating patients despite their exhaustion and fear. I feel we've gained more understanding and recognition of the value of those with humbler jobs in society, the janitors and sanitation workers who are helping to protect our health, the grocery store and transit workers, the farm laborers, who are still providing for us, often at risk to themselves. We are realizing why we need to have gratitude for the simple things so many of us had previously taken for granted, such as TP, access to clean running water and soap.
The Triumph of Faith, Romans 5:1-5
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have
a peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice
b in the hope of the glory of God.
3Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Even those who live alone, who've been isolated due the quarantine, are not alone, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.
Suffering can refine us as much, if not more so, then triumph and joy. It can push us to adapt to changes. It can build our resilience. It can give us empathy and compassion, which enables us to love more deeply and fully. By having suffered ourselves we understand what is feels to suffer, and acknowledge that others are suffering too. This week in particular we need to reflect on how Christ suffered. What he endured. That He too understands suffering, having experienced it. We are not alone.
