As recorded from centuries previous, God truly expects a people to follow His ways and desires, or we might say, requires the people to follow His ways. Exodus 9:12-14, And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had spoken unto Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may serve me. For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth (KJV). God’s word has given us so many promises for us to believe and receive.
Let’s look at a song of praise in which we all need to take heed as a nation, as stated in Isaiah 26:1-4, In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city; God makes salvation its walls and ramparts. Open the gates that the righteous nation may enter, the nation that keeps faith. You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal (NIV).
Yes, we are reminded by the Doctors, Nurses, and leaders of our land to wash our hands and stay away from the destruction of covid-19, by sheltering in and social-distancing from each other so not to spread such a horrible sickness/disease – virus. We are reminded in God’s Word what sin can do to our mind, body, spirit and soul if we do not turn from it, cleanse ourselves, repent, ask God’s forgiveness and follow His instructions written in His Word. A very informative scripture. James 4:8, Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded (NIV).
As we look at the scripture above, we are reminded of the filth of sin in the hearts of man and that we must purify our hearts. What a powerful scenario between social-distancing and cleansing our hands at a time of this coronavirus pandemic in relationship with the hearts of man that must be cleansed. As we are told to cleanse our hands and stay away from the way this virus transfers, so God’s Word tells us to cleanse our hearts, mind, soul and spirit through repenting and turning away from all sin. In like manner, we must turn away from sin and give no thought or place for sin. Humbling ourselves before God and man is to be the life of all believers. Self-pride always brings destruction.
Let’s look at what Apostle Paul speaks on this subject. Romans 12:3-8, For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully (NIV).
To continue on in Romans, we see that our love will be shown with and through our actions. Yes, here we see love in action is to be our normal everyday lifestyle. Romans 12:9-15, [Let] love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them, which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep (KJV).
In times like these, with fear so ramped, we are to give comfort and encourage to those that are in need of comfort. As a believer, God gives us peace in these turmoil times. Yes, we are to share the love of God during these times of crisis and trouble. 2 Corinthians 1:4 states, “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us” (NLT).
Jesus Himself has assured us of this peace through the very presence of God, Jesus, and His Holy Spirit that dwells in the believer. John 16:33, These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world (NKJV). Jesus tells us the intentions and importance of the heart of man in Luke 6:45, A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (KJV).
For those who love God, we can be assured that God has a plan and will work good things out through every situation in our lives. Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (KJV).
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