Small Encouragements

by Josh Rieger

Lockdown is hard

As days of lockdown stretch into weeks, now, we begin to realise how tiresome and even difficult this is in some ways. For ministers it’s hard. We miss our people. We regret that we can’t minister to them in the way we’d like. We find much of our preparation for Sundays is taken up with technical preparation that is time consuming, and not just service preparation that we’re familiar with. Even as we’re finding new ways to minister and there are some encouragements, it is nonetheless, difficult.

Likewise, for our people. Some have no employment or their employment is reduced. Those who are working are either in a more frenetic environment, they are in a more dangerous environment, or they’re overwhelmed by lack of personal interaction as they stare at a screen all day. Even if they have meetings, Zoom calls are not the same as personal interaction over a cuppa at break. Not to mention those who are elderly or immuno-compromised. There is fear, isolation, loneliness. This is true for all of us, to some degree.

Fellowship is a salve

As I’ve reflected on these things the last few days, I’ve also had some singular joys and encouragements. Small and short encouraging conversations with those outside our daily circle of contacts have been more meaningful and appreciated than normal. Acts of kindness have shown people’s love, thoughtfulness, and servant heart in a new way. My family loves toffee hot cross buns this time of year. On Friday night one of our fellow church-members stopped by unexpectedly, just to drop some off. They’d been at the shops, saw them, and knew we liked them. Last night I had a long and encouraging text message conversation with a friend who’s not a part of my daily routine. It lifted my spirits on a Sunday evening.

Each time I experience one of these encouragements it strikes me much more than it might under normal circumstances. I imagine I’m not the only one who is experiencing this. I am being ministered to by friends and fellow church-members in a new and unexpected, but not unappreciated, way.

Be a Barnabas

This has made me think. First of all, praise the Lord for His mercies are new every morning! Second, how can we intentionally go out of our way to be encouragers? To be Barnabases, sons of encouragement? Let’s ask God to help us come up with ways to love one another. We’ve been asking what needs around us need to be met and trying to determine how we can help. Can we shop for an elderly neighbour, or get petrol for someone who can’t go out? This is important! Don’t stop! But let’s also ask how can we be a Barnabas to someone else. What loving thing can I do for someone else that they would never expect and that they would never ask for? Be intentional, plan, look out for other’s interests!