Taking Up the Coronavirus Cross
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This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
1 John 3:16 (NIV)
Jesus did it first. He set aside heaven’s glory to enter our human experience. Jesus never focused on Himself but constantly healed, taught, touched, and served others. He was tired when the crowds pressed in, but still compassionately healed and taught. Ultimately Jesus willingly took up the cross and laid down His life for you and me. But prior to His death on the cross, Jesus called believers to take up their crosses, too.
Then He called the crowd to Him along with His disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34 NIV)
Our medical professionals are doing it. Grocery store employees are doing it. Those sheltering in place and those producing protective gear are doing it. Our military personnel do it all the time.
Taking up our cross means dying to our ‘self’ on behalf of others, willingly giving up plans, conveniences, freedoms, supplies, money, and time. Your cross might be selflessly staying home. It might also mean eagerly seeking opportunities to wisely but generously give of ourselves – deliver groceries, order take-out, tip generously, and more ideas below:
- Give blood
- Volunteer to donate Meals on Wheels
- Donate cash to organizations that provide emergency relief as lost income will increase demand for services:
- Let the isolated and vulnerable know they aren’t forgotten:
- Woods Mullen for Women 794 Massachusetts Ave, Boston 02118
- Southampton Shelter for Men 112 Southampton St, Boston 02118
- Thomas Upham House 519 Main St, Medfield, MA 02052
And pray. Thank God for every person treating or preventing the spread of the virus. Pray for who are ill, grieving, or under financial stress. Plead with God to impress on every heart the importance of obeying the authorities. And listen for His guidance for your response. Let’s do this together.
I’d love to hear your ideas:
How are you taking up your cross in response to the Coronavirus?
If you need encouragement, check this posts about hope.
#SeedsofScripture #takeupyourcross #laydownyourlife #inthistogether
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Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.
Praise the Lord~
The silver lining today is finally reading & visiting Seeds of Scripture!
This is beautiful Cathy! Thankful for your love for our Lord, with all your heart,
with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.
Simple easy ways to Love our neighbors as ourselves~
All For His Glory~
Thank you for (finally) visiting!!!!! And welcome! I hope you’ll poke around some more. Use the search tool to find posts for your specific need. Thank you for your encouragement.
A couple of things close to home are my wife purchasing a gift certificate from her hairdresser who will have to close for the next month. This gives her income to get through this period of non-service and allows her to handle providing the service without as much financial impact when all her customers and business return. Another is sharing livestock feed and supplies with those who will be unable to obtain needed materials. This includes allowing animals to pasture on my green pastures to the point that I can. Wonderful examples. Thank you for this post my friend.
Good ideas JD. Many are suffering financially with the shutdown. We need to come together. I’m picking up day-old bakery items and delivering them to the school that provides lunches for the kids who depended on school lunches. A small way to help.