I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
-John 13:34
I’ve had a lot of time to think about this commandment this past week, and feel compelled to share with you my own musings on it. But let me start at the beginning. You see, while on vacation, I began to have a sore throat. Then, a stuffy, runny nose. Normally, this would be a mere inconvenience. A cold on vacation equals not so fun! But this time, is different. This time, we’re almost six months into a pandemic. Now, what I used to see as an everyday cold, could mean something more. Something worse. Covid-19. Now, I’ll admit, I debated on what I should do. Was I really sick? Is it worth calling or should I wait? What if it’s an allergy or I am just a little tired? But then I found myself thinking about Christ’s emphasis on loving one another. With that, I knew there was no debate to be had. Of course I should call. I had to. Not because I thought I had COVID, but because I knew it was my duty to be sure I don’t. Because even if the odds are less than 1%, it was more loving to be sure. And so I was tested, which meant more waiting and more pondering about Christ’s commandment to “love one another.” As I waited, I wondered, did Christ have medical tests in mind when he said this? Or face masks and handwashing? Probably not, well except for the handwashing. He did wash his disciples’ feet after all! I do think he was calling on us to Keep in mind how our actions affect others. To think about how what we do can show love, or not. And to then do our best choose actions that live love. Because really, that’s all any of us can do. Our best. Of course, that still doesn’t relieve fears, does it? I still found myself reviewing my own actions the week before. I began to picture the faces of those I had been in contact with. People I know well, some of whom are vulnerable. But also people I don’t know. Strangers going about their daily life. Were all of them now at risk, because of me? Had I done what I should to protect them? What if others get sick? It took me back to my own childhood, when I found out I had the chicken pox. I had a friend who was in remission from Leukemia. She was at risk. I had played with her. I remember my nine year old self crying, thinking I was going to cause her to die. Just like my nine year old self, I couldn’t help but wonder what could happen if I was the 1%. But, I also knew I had done my best. I showed love by choosing to follow guidelines. Masks. Distancing. Handwashing. Which is all any of us can do. All we can do is trust that love, Christ’s love, shines through us each time we seek to protect our neighbour. Because the truth is, I love the people I encounter each and every day. I love each person I meet, as a part of my human family. I love them because as a follower of Christ, I am called to live love in all I do and say. Luckily, my results was negative. Just your average cold. But as I Look at my own experience, and continue to read debates and arguments over whether we really need to wear a mask, or still be physically distant, I remember them. I picture the people who could have been infected. If. If. I had somehow tested positive. They are reason enough for me. My family. My friends. My neighbours. The stranger in the grocery store just wanting to buy supplies for the week. Their wellness is enough for me. Because I love them. I love you. For as Christ commands us: “love one another. . .as I have loved you.” A love that was sacrificial. A love that took risks, and led to his own death. So what about us? How can we live out that same love right now? I believe we can do so by remembering Christ’s words. “Love one another.” Just love. It’s that simple.
God Bless, Rev. Tara Ann
Devotional was written by Rev. Tara Ann Gourson, September 2020.
Bideford Pastoral Charge 