Daily Mediation - 3/18/2020 - A Time of Coronavirus

Love in a Time of Coronavirus: With all 50 states and most of the world responding to coronavirus, what can Pilgrim's love look like? I mean, we are facing the disappointments of surprise changes, and disruptions. Some are facing layoffs, some unemployment. And that on top of our usual sin struggles, health issues and relationship troubles.

Go back to March 8, when we heard "be devoted to one another in love" from Romans 12. Paul says to show brotherly affection for each other in a profound way. He means that the people of God, having tasting God's love, forgiveness, grace and mercy, and constantly, treat each other in the same way. 

He could've said as much by referring to brotherly love--the word used to name this city. But adding a slightly different 'phila' word, he strengthens the obligations and bonds between us. Not brotherly love (mutual affection between peers) but love like that of parents to children and vice versa. He's already called for sincerity in love with each other (12:9). He's commanded a holy hate for evil. Then he unloads this 1-2 punch of relating together in love. Deeply. Devotedly. As if what happens in your heart and your household matters to my heart and my household. As if the way I respond to my child's 75th request for help with their assignment affects us all. As if the way I think and pray for you today and tonight at our dinner table strengthens the glue of Pilgrim's communion. As if your response to the new disruptions in your life can't just be buried in stoic silence or turning to secret places on the web or sullen anger toward the Lord for a decline in your retirement's investment yield. As if the overflow of our love for each other will affect the neighborhood on near-lockdown around us. It will and it already has, precious Pilgrim family.

Paul's call to love is totally opposite what people imagine when they think of the Church. It can't get captured on a blog nor a video of your favorite celebrity. It's a deep, inner conviction that God's love in Jesus will win out and that all our other 'lovers' don't hold a candle to our heart's maker and redeemer. Pilgrim family, after you grieve the losses and true risks of this season, (and ask Jesus to relieve them), ask Him to work His love in you that you show this double-fisted love to yourself, each other and your King. It seems to be the only way of relating He's capable of. Even in a time of coronavirus.

Erik Larsen