Sunday, August 02, 2020

How to love our neighbors during COVID?

This may seem basic -- and yet I see reason to believe it would still be good to think about. It's easy to lose focus. So as the lockdown continues into another month I've been searching for ways, either as individuals or in community, to love our neighbors during COVID.

  • Take care of our own health and theirs: Do not endanger a life. Here, love of our neighbor legitimately requires love of self as well. Someone who is infected will almost inevitably put others at risk. 
  • Do not judge: This virus is new. We're navigating in uncharted waters. None of us will make the right call 100% of the time; neither will my neighbor. 
  • Kindness and patience: I can skip a chance to be angry at someone. We all have extra struggles now. 
  • Listening and staying connected: I can make a phone call, send a message, have a quick video chat. When we're isolated there are all kinds of problems, and fewer solutions. Left alone, it's easy to slide into self-doubt or low spirits. It's easier to fall into fear or anger. The act of connecting to another person can re-set our minds. 
  • Visit the sick: This can be done on-line or by phone or by a card; no one needs to risk personal health in order to visit the sick. 
  • Feed the hungry: The lock-down has been economically devastating for millions of families. Now more than ever, there's a chance to feed the hungry. 

I'd be glad to hear of other things that haven't made the list yet.

2 comments:

  1. The medieval list of seven corporal works of mercy are as follows:

    feed the hungry
    give drink to the thirsty
    give shelter to strangers
    clothe the naked
    visit the sick
    minister to prisoners
    bury the dead.

    Not exactly the same culture, and I don't do all of these things -- I should.


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  2. Thank you! The list seems familiar ... ;)

    Take care & God bless
    Anne / WF

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