Let’s help each other
2 Cor.1:4 - “who comforts us in all out tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
Pastor Aulson just preached about Barnabas (Acts 4); about encouraging one another. Even though, in these unique times, we may be unusually separated or distanced from one another in the body of Christ, we can still be a help to our brother/sister. I would encourage you to get creative regarding ministry and expression. People can be contacted, and needs can be met. Isolation is not an environment where Christians thrive.
Also, hell knows about the strategy of dividing Christians— to get us fighting each other, suspicious of each other, being self-righteous or fault-finding toward each other. We want to say this: the New Testament has a number of scriptures that address the idea of not judging each other, particularly on minor issues regarding the conscience. It tells us the importance of not putting a stumbling block in front of a brother. One of God’s people feels strongly they should be totally isolated during this time, fully obeying all laws and directives, giving full priority at this time to the idea of containment of this pandemic. Another of God’s people wants to be involved in making the services happen, which are being live-streamed, and while taking reasonable precautions and social distancing, and while feeling no symptoms of illness, they want to be present at the church at least on occasion. The church has been recognized by our governor as an essential service which can continue to function, (at least on a greatly scaled-down dimension.) The point is, as a church, and as a pastor, we support all of our people, whichever your point of view, and whatever your conscience or prudence might dictate in these matters.
Again, we are dealing with a fluid situation, day by day being sensitive to various factors and needed course-corrections and tweeks. One thing we know- Christ is not divided. Rather than being a judge of our brother, let’s be a helper, a comforter, an encourager.
