By Jacqui Crumrine – Associate Pastor
A Season to Care
‘Tis the season! (You may be asking “’Tis the season for what?!”) As we head into December, and even the launch of a new year, it may seem a bit surreal considering all that 2020 has held for us. Usually, December is a time of comfort and joy around the holidays. But for some, this time of year is hard. Last week a friend shared that all his loved ones have passed in the months of November and December. For him, the season becomes a reminder of loss. For others, the season is lonely. Images of gatherings and fun are plastered all over social media, and yet they sit alone in their home longing for connection. Now add in Covid, and we are all dealing with a certain degree of change and isolation. We’ve been dealing with this for over nine months, and I hope that we have learned a few things about what it means to be a community and care for others.
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4
One of the great gifts of being a part of a faith community is the tangible acts of kindness and care that can occur. But in order for that to happen, we have to be intentional about getting beyond ourselves. We all have a natural tendency to be selfish and short-sighted when it comes to the needs of others. We prioritize ourselves and our comfort, but because Christ gave His all for us, and served us…if we are to be like Him, we need to serve others. As followers of Christ, we are invited to be a part of a community that cares for one another!
First, we have to acknowledge that our love and care comes from a Source. Our personal task is to be connected to the Source. At Covenant Grove, we proclaim that The Source is Jesus Christ. He is Love and all that we need. We want to be Fully Devoted to Him! We grow deep roots as we connect to Christ. It’s what makes the storms and trials of life bearable. We are rooted in Christ, and He holds us. We grow in Him, and He gives us all that we need. When we are in Christ, we can care and support others. We can’t give what we don’t have. This season take time to get filled up with Jesus. Spend time with Him in worship and the word. Serve others, and in doing so, you will be fed.
Ok, so you’re feeling pretty good about your devotion from God. And you’re feeling filled up as you receive from Him. But then what? What does care for others look like in the middle of a pandemic? I would encourage you to think small. Small acts of encouragement and kindness can go a long way.
- Send a card in the mail
- Send a quick text
- Better yet, make the phone call! Let people hear your voice! Don’t do all of the talking. Actually, listen. Ask them how they are doing
- Encourage with a scripture or write out a prayer
No act of care and kindness is too small. You never know what that person is going through.
During Covid, we’ve had a group of people making calls to check in and let you know that you are not alone. This season, we all need to take the time to care more for others. Make a goal of texting or calling at least one person a day. Send a note of encouragement. Bake cookies. Give a gift and drop it on their doorstep. Send a Bible verse. Draw a picture. Do what YOU do best! How has God wired you to care for others?
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12
Being a community that cares requires us first to be devoted to Christ. It also functions best when everyone does their part. This season let Christ motivate you to acts of love and care for others.
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10
