Love

Like the rest of you, I struggle with the knowledge that the whole coronavirus lockdown situation is outside of my control.

So how do we look ahead? In my scripture reading I have found myself pausing at the response of Jesus when asked which commandment is first of all:

Hear O Israel. The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself . There is no other commandment greater than these.

(Mark 12: 28 - 31)

I think this answer reminds us of the importance of love at all times, but especially in difficult times such as this. For just a moment I want to encourage you by exploring the three 'loves' we find in this scripture.

Firstly, we turn to the love we have of God. God is the very author of life; the One who is just as loving and faithful to us in our times of failing as in our times of success. Our relationship with God is very important at these times. I was brought up to believe that the cross we wear or display must always be empty as as a sign of resurrection, yet I have come to appreciate the crucifix in which Jesus is on the cross. To me it symbolises that Jesus is our brother in suffering. I am also reminded of a saying by the inspirational Dietrich Bonhoeffer who, in his opposition to Hitler, suffered imprisonment and execution. He wrote the powerful line:

Only a suffering God can help.

Even if you feel that God is remote at this moment in time, I encourage you to hold on to the suffering God.

Secondly,  we look to the love we bear for others. To those of us who are tactile, it is really hard at this time that we are unable hug or make contact with others outside our household, even those who are really struggling at this time. Sometimes, however, love can take us away from our instinctive responses. Currently we are having to show our love by staying in our homes and distancing ourselves from others. We can also show love and compassion by ringing those who may be struggling at this time and being the sounding board or encouragement that they need.

Finally, we are reminded to love ourselves as we love others. Do not give in to the lie that Christians are not to love themselves. I encourage you to exercise self compasssion and to spend some quality time on the things that bring joy to your hearts, so long as these do not conflict with our love to others and the legal requirements put on us during this period of lockdown.