Monday the 19th of July was announced as Freedom Day, when covid-19 restrictions were lifted, and life was allegedly returned to ‘normal’ - whatever that looks like now. However, this freedom day provoked very different reactions for different people. As Christians we are called to respond to any changes in society around us by acting in line with the unchanging word of God. In todays blog we look at how we might respond to ‘Freedom Day’ in a biblical way.
Freedom Day - A Biblical Response
In a world full of polarizing topics, ranging from politics to football matches, we have been once again faced with a situation, which conjures up a wide range of emotions in people, even within our church communities. While some people have eagerly awaited “Freedom Day”, others have been anxious about another rise in Covid-19 cases as a result of it. As Christians - disciples of Jesus - we are called to love others as Jesus loved us (John 13:34). As a church - the body of Christ - we are called to encourage and build one another up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). With restrictions being lifted and many of us having differing opinions about and feelings towards this, it is important that we remain eager to maintain unity and peace within the church (Ephesians 4:3). In this blog post, I want to attempt to lay out a few biblical ways to respond to restrictions being lifted as believers in and followers of Jesus.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
In this passage, we can find a beautiful description of the way in which God loves us. If we are called to love people in the way Christ loves us (John 13:34), we must first have a firm understanding of what this love is. Out of this knowledge and by the Holy Spirit at work within us, there will naturally flow patterns of behaviour towards other people.
Be Patient
Whether we are those who are excited to be able to walk through a shopping center without a mask on or those in whom the idea of this raises anxiety, we need to remember to be patient with ourselves and with others in this time. Ephesians 4:2 tells us to bear with one another in love, being completely humble, gentle, and patient. We do not know what someone has gone through - people may have health anxiety or may have even lost loved ones to Covid-19. Instead of being annoyed with a brother or sister who experiences this time differently to us, we must practice self-control and be slow to anger (Proverbs 16:32). Paul writes in Romans 15 that we must have the same attitude toward each other that Christ had for us, encouraging and enduring with one another. Galatians 6 calls on us as disciples to carry each other’s burdens and in this way fulfill the law of Christ. We are to be those who help others (Acts 20:35) and to give freely (Luke 6:38). The Bible goes on to say that we should not become weary of doing good (Galatians 6:9). If you are one who is excited about “Freedom Day” and the lifting of restrictions, bear patiently with those who do not share this same feeling.
Those of us who are experiencing anxiety surrounding this topic can also practice patience through prayer and leaning on God at this time. Philippians 4:6 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Moreover, Romans 12:12 tells us to “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” We can trust in God that He is sovereign in every area of our life and will provide all we need. We can stand firm in Him as we draw near to Him in prayer. Matthew 6 is a beautiful reminder of the fact that we do not need to be anxious because our heavenly Father feeds the birds and makes the lilies grow - and we are worth much more to him than these. This chapter also reminds us that worrying does not add any benefit to our life. We will be happier and feel less heavy if we cast our burdens onto Him (Psalm 55:22). Be encouraged that the Lord is close to and rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18). If you want to continue wearing your mask or do not wish to go to big social events yet, you are completely within your right to do what makes you comfortable. But do remember that the Lord answers you and delivers you from your fears (Psalm 34:4) and that when you are anxious, God’s consolation brings joy (Psalm 94:19).
Be Kind
Jesus commands us in John 13:34 to love one another as He loves us. A simple way to show kindness in this climate is to show compassion and consideration for those around us. Proverbs 12:25 says “Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” We can easily brighten someone’s day by showing kindness in our words, or even through a smile. When I walk to church on Sunday mornings, I try to make it my mission to smile and say “good morning” to as many people as possible. Some people do not react, but most people happily smile back. If you have joy, why not share and spread it? Proverbs goes on to say in chapter 17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
We are called to love at all times, meaning even when we are anxious or annoyed, when restrictions are present and when they are lifted. Through showing kindness and grace during this time, we can show others the love of Christ practically. In His sermon on the mount in Matthew 5:16, Jesus says “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Let us be those who glorify God in the way we generously and gladly show kindness and love.
Do Not Judge
While this should be very straightforward and simple, these polarizing times can make it all too easy to be tempted to judge those who do not share our disposition. The Bible is very clear that this is not acceptable. Romans 2:1 states that we have no excuse if we pass judgement on others. In Matthew 7, Jesus Himself tells us that in the same way we judge others, we will ourselves be judged. Jesus goes on to ask why we look at the speck of sawdust in our brother’s eye without paying attention to the plank in our own. Before we judge others based on what they do or don’t do, we need to remember that all of us struggle with sin in certain areas and are no better than each other - we are all in need of Jesus’ saving grace.
Who then are we to withhold grace from others? In 2 Corinthians 12:10, Paul writes “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” God loves us in our weakness, so we should do the same for those around us. At the same time, 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us that we are never tempted beyond our ability and that God always provides a way to be able to endure when we are faced with temptation. This is a crucial truth to remember when we feel overwhelmed with feelings - God provides a way for us to deal with these without falling into the temptation of judging others.
Do Not Fear
Finally, as restrictions ease we need to remember the Lord we serve and find comfort in Him. The Bible - God’s Word - is full of verses about how we can trust, and have confidence and security in Him. God sees you (Genesis 16:13). God hears you (Jonah 2:2). God is with you always (Psalm 46:1).
I am fully aware that many will have deep and real fears at this time and I do not wish to be insensitive, and yet it is actually a commandment in the Bible not to fear. When the Israelites entered the Promised Land, there were many uncertainties and difficulties ahead of them. And yet Joshua, their leader, is told in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua certainly had reasons to worry, and yet he was told not to fear, but be strong and courageous because God was with him. In John 14:27, Jesus says “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Again, Jesus does not promise that there will not be any reason for people’s hearts to be troubled and for them to be afraid. Yet He does promise He will give us peace and commands us not to fear.
Finally, we do not have to fear because God never leaves us and His love never fails. Psalm 23 says “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” In Isaiah 41:10, God says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Meanwhile, Paul writes in Romans 8, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? …No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” It is His love that enables us to be conquerors and never separated from Him. This is what should abe the driving force behind our courage and confidence in Jesus - the fact that “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). We can find hope and peace in God’s Word when we feel anxious or worried.
God works all things for good!
I want to end by saying this - I do not know what your last year has looked like and I do not know your feelings towards restrictions being lifted. What I do know is that God works all things together for the good of those who trust in Him (Romans 8:28). I know that our God is a good Father, who offers us peace, consolation, and protection. I know that you can do all things through Him who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). And I know there is no greater joy than to serve and put our trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Esther-Maria is one of our Redeemer students, a core member of our kids ministry, and is passionate about the word of God. In 2021, she’ll be sharing her thoughts on how scripture should change the way we live our lives! Check back here regularly for more, as well as our other blogs!
