Love Your Literal Neighbors

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:34–40, ESV)

Keeping Our Eyes Open

In the midst of this COVID-19 situation, we have been repeatedly told that the weak and vulnerable are most at risk. The strong and healthy don’t have much to worry about—except exposing the weak and vulnerable to the disease—their bodies will fight it off. 

So, in the midst of this pandemic, Christians need to start asking, “How can I care for the weak and vulnerable around me?” It’s important that we don’t simply stick our heads in the sand, hoping not to catch the virus, but keep our eyes open to serve those around us. 

The “At Risk” Quarantine

There will be people in our communities who are severely at risk if they were to catch COVID-19. While many of us are complaining about the inconveniences of cancelled events, some will be completely quarantined from the rest of the world. It’s important that we continue to care for their needs in some way. Yet, how do we know who they are? How do we know their needs if we don’t ask?

Self-Quarantined

Also, there will be some people who catch COVID-19 and will need to self-quarantine for some time. They will not be able to go out into public for some time. This will make it extremely difficult for them to purchase food and necessary supplies. It will be important for Christians to be on the lookout for these people so we can care for their needs. Yet, how do we know who they are? How do we know what they need?

One Idea 

One couple came up with a great idea to start the conversation with their neighbors. Ken and Laura decided to hang this note on their neighbors’ doors. I think it’s a great way of opening up conversation and caring for people’s needs within the boundaries placed upon us by the CDC. Here’s their note:

Hello - We are your neighbours, Ken and Laura, living at ... Street.

Because some of us may get sick during the Covid-19 Virus pandemic and may have to stay home, we wanted you to have our phone number. Please call or text if we can help in some way.

If you run out of supplies or need groceries picked up or dropped off at your door – we are happy to help as much as we can.

We are all in this together! You are not alone!

Ken and Laura

(phone number)

The Least Of These

I believe this is a great step in the right direction of caring for the “least of these” among us. By taking this first small step, we are opening the door for our ability to feed those who may be hungry, get essentials to those in need, and visit the sick in a unique way. Remember, Jesus said, “As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40, ESV).