05-26-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 26, 2020
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:20
As it is, there are many members, yet one body.

Thought for the Day: Paul was referring to different spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ, but earlier today I read those words a bit differently in light of the pandemic. What does it mean to be one, yet to have different emotional responses among the one body. Is it ok to have among us some who are frightened and others who are really quite calm, some who are highly stressed and still others who cry on a regular basis? I am a little bothered by those who might be overly cavalier, or even dismissive about what’s happening. But most other emotions fall pretty much into the normal category, and feeling pretty good one afternoon and rather upset the next is okay as well. The church is made up of a diverse group of people, with a wide range of experiences and emotional temperaments. As long as your response is not endangering the lives of others or yourself, then it is probably okay for the moment. If you need help or someone to listen, please reach out. That’s what makes the Body of Christ a beautiful gift. Today, you may be the person needing a little help, and in the next crisis, you might be the one who can provide a non-anxious presence. Outside of being cautious and smart, I don’t know if there is a right way of approaching a pandemic. Be good to yourself and to one another. Recognize that you might have already had a life experience that somewhat prepared you for this moment, and for that reason, you might be a gift to someone else. Next time around, you may be the one requesting some assistance. It is really good to be a member of the body.

Prayer: You are with us in this moment, Lord God, and you do not require the “right” emotional response for us to be recipients of your love. Whatever we feel in this time is what we feel in this time. Amen.

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/2M1rQdA