Coronavirus and How Christians can respond

On the last day of the last decade, the first cases of what we now call COVID-19 were reported to the WHO (World Health Organization). Within a week, China identified the virus, and two weeks later a case was reported on US soil. Underneath the fast-paced timeline, we’ve asked a lot of questions. “What facts are true facts?” “Should I buy gloves?” “Is this just the flu?” It’s a physically human response to become agitated or anxious when we face unknown events; it’s why we sweat, lick our lips, wring our hands, cry, whimper, or withdraw. When SARS, cousin of Corona, emerged my family lived in Asia. Today, the addition of the internet and social media magnifies the swell of worry as people sift through information on today’s virus. For crises like Coronavirus, we need a Christ-like response to guide our thinking, our prayers, and our actions.

People are given to twisting truth. Most of us do it without knowing it. We have elderly loved ones, fragile friends, and connections in impacted areas. We may exaggerate or downplay the truth in our effort to respond. It’s important to lean into what’s true and away from what’s sensational. No source of information is infallible. Our thinking is more likely to be orderly and helpful when we turn to trusted resources and turn away from hype.

Coronavirus – Information Resources (COVID-19)

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a summary of information and medical resources. LOOK HERE.
• The National Institutes of Health provide a helpful summary, risk assessment, and recommendations. LOOK HERE.
• The World Health Organization provides updates, research, and travel guidance. LOOK HERE.

Helpful Verses for our Hearts & Minds

• Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
• Blessed is the one who considers the poor … The Lord sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (Psalm 41:1-3)
• Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. (Psalm 103:2-4)

You might find my free resource 10 Verses to Pray for Sick Friends useful right now. Check out and download 10 Verses to Pray for Sick Friends. There are 10 verses to pray and prayers to go with each.

Coronavirus – 10 Ways to Care for your Community

1. Check on elderly neighbors anxious about going out. Do they need groceries? Leave them on the porch and add a flower for cheer.
2. Ask your medical friends if they’re doing okay; they’re facing extra pressure dealing with worried patients.
3. Drop off a basket of encouragement to your local ER or doctor’s office. Include verse cards for confidence and a note of thanks for their care.
4. Post thoughtfully on social media. Will the content you share help others find peace in this climate or will it fuel their fears?
5. Check on and pray for people living overseas. They may be facing restrictions or concerns you aren’t thinking about. Caring contact helps a lot.
6. Be thoughtful about your humor. Everyone’s experience and life concerns are different. Jokes about Coronavirus may be hurtful to someone near you.
7. Offer to help sanitize classrooms at your local school or church. This takes time, and extra (clean) hands may be welcome.
8. Be backup child care for a friend with littles. Regular care plans may be disrupted and parents may be worried. If you can help, be willing.
9. Cough into your arm. Coronavirus concerns have people on edge when they hear a cough or sneeze, so be extra mindful of containing your own germs.
10. Resist the urge to hoard. My grocery store doesn’t have a single bottle of alcohol. It’s a good thing I don’t need one. There’s a fine line between being prepared to care for our family and trying to control our circumstances. God’s got that covered.

A Prayer for living in Coronavirus

The global church is leading the way here, as seen in this early message of encouragement from a Pastor in Wuhan. As people experience fear about the unknown, this is an opportunity to experience and share God’s peace.

Dear God, You are Jehovah Rapha, our Healer. This disease did not catch You by surprise. We know there will be a day when there’s no more suffering, and we look forward to that. For now, help us trust You with our lives and health. Give us Your peace to answer our worries. Help us serve those around us with compassion. Use this global illness to bring people Your peace and praise to Your name.

Download the 10 Verses to Pray for Sick Friends here.