Rejoice Always

May 8, 2020

By Jenny Sung, Executive Coordinator

One of the biggest blessings of sheltering in place has been reconnecting with family. Since the onset of COVID-19, we’ve made the extra effort to Zoom one another and have virtual family gatherings (even with a six-hour time zone difference).

One Friday my sister on the East Coast texted that we’ll be having a Family Talent Show, since so many of us enjoy singing, drawing, painting, and dancing. We took turns displaying art, singing, playing piano, and doing TikTok dances. My sister even made a rose out of tissue paper, and we all applauded with “oohs” and “ahhs.” It was wonderful to encourage and build up one another, rejoicing just in this small way and cherishing the blessing of connection.

It is especially important to build up one another during this time. First Prez’s digital connect groups on Sunday mornings have been so encouraging as we get to see one another, share insights, pray, and encourage each other every week.

This is what we are called to do––to share God’s love, peace and joy, to encourage each other and be His salt and light in the world, even as calamity and struggle weigh heavily on us all. There are many who are going out to areas of need, distributing food, delivering groceries, tending to the sick, protecting our communities, and more. Words cannot capture the gratitude for all those who are sacrificing for the good of all. So even more, let us cherish one another, encouraging and building up each other in big and small ways.

I leave you this verse from the apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Thessalonica. He encouraged them to stand firm and maintain love for one another:

“And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we rejoice in You in all circumstances, always giving thanks for the ways You work in and through all things. Use us to be Your hands and feet to bring encouragement and hope to the world. In Jesus name we pray, Amen

Share this with a friend: