The Apostle John reaffirmed what Jesus and the prophets had said before him: “Now, whoever has the resources of this world comes to his brother in need and closes his heart, how can God’s love remain in him?3. 17); and: If anyone says, I love God and hate his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother, whom he sees, cannot love God, whom he does not see (John 4:20). ); and yet: “In love there is no fear, but perfect love takes away fear. “Fear produces torment, therefore, the one who fears is not perfect in love.
At this time of global crisis, due to a pandemic, we have been taken away from our churches and therefore cannot worship God as before. In the face of this new situation, which entails serious and legitimate restrictions on people’s health and reunification, the question may arise: how can I worship God outside the fellowship of my church?It is true that many churches adapt and hold their meetings through websites and communication applications available on the Internet and somehow maintain a part of community worship. Thank God for that. But the point is, without wanting to get into the question of whether online worship is valid or not, we feel that our worship in worshipping God is deficient. Inside, there seems to be something missing. This feeling can be explained by the fact that worship essentially has an atmosphere of love characterized by God’s presence among his gathered people. God loves us and thanks to this love we can love him and also love our neighbour. But when the next one is not present, something is missing.
- The Word of God teaches us that worshipping is serving (you will love the Lord your God with all your might).
- Therefore.
- When we are united in worship and worship.
- We serve God and our neighbor.
- Because worship is a means of grace through which we receive and share God’s love that is poured into our hearts.
- Another thing the scriptures teach us is that worship presupposes love.
- When we worship the Lord.
- We enter into a relationship of intense love.
- Coming from God.
- That permeates our whole soul to the point that we can love it with all our being and.
- Moreover.
- Love our neighbour as ourselves.
- Point.
- It is important to emphasize that the love to which we refer is the true love that comes from God and exists only in the being of God.
In view of this, we can say that when we love God with all our being and our neighbour as ourselves, we truly worship God; we can also say that when we are in this relationship of love referenced in God, we feel compelled to serve others like those who serve God Himself; because, as the Apostle said, he who does not love his brother does not love God (1 John 4:20) or the one who, having resources and refusing to help others, does not really love God (1 John 3:17).
Therefore, in the face of this new situation, I would like to propose another way of worshipping God with all our being, I do not mean that serving others is a substitute for public worship of God, absolutely!I am simply discussing another way to worship God, also remembering that in addition to not replacing the other form, they are interconnected, complemented, and co-pendent.
With this in mind, I would like to suggest some actions to serve others, in God’s love, in this time of social detachment:
Contact people in the risk group, such as the elderly and people with low immunity, due to a pre-existing condition. word of optimism and hope. Read a psalm, say a prayer, listen to what they have to say.
2. Be aware of the physical and psychological conditions of your neighbors Make sure that contact: a conversation at the door, on the balcony of the apartment or over the phone, are safe ways to maintain contact with the neighborhood. , ask them if they need anything (food, medicine or other material things). Check if you need spiritual help. Present the gospel message and pray for your neighbors.
3. Take care of small businesses in your neighborhood. You need to buy, do it with these small traders, because they are suffering more intensely the crisis than the big wholesalers. When you shop with them, let them know you’re there because you consider them important to the community. Perhaps this is an important time to create good bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
4. Know the situation of the homeless. They are certainly the ones who suffer the most, we must look compassionately at this group of people and try to find solutions, perhaps among government agencies, so that they can receive shelter and food, it is our duty to ask the government to accept and care for people in vulnerable situations. However, individually, if we succeed, we can and should bring food, clothing, or even shelter. In these cases, it is always good to remember the parable of the Samaritan.
In any case, there are certainly other ways to serve others in god’s love and worship, and the purpose of this text was precisely to awaken this desire, may God be glorified in these things.