Agape in the Time of Coronavirus

What does love look like, now? During this time of global pandemic, when the models that our government is looking at project that by June, we could be experiencing 3,000 deaths per day?

There are people who do not have choices. For financial reasons or a commitment to the common welfare of others, they must go to work.

What do we owe them? How do we show that we honor the sacrifice they are making, the risks they must take? How do we show them love?

Throughout history, people have shown their love for humankind through action - marching for their rights, serving others, caring for each other in tangible ways.

Now we are in a time that asks us to do the exact opposite. We are asked, those of us who can, to stay at home. To be apart from one another. To honor barriers and boundaries, 6 foot of space at a time, with masks shielding our smiles.

In the sermon "Loving Your Enemies," Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of agape love. "Agape is something of the understanding, creative, redemptive goodwill for all men. It is a love that seeks nothing in return. It is an overflowing love; it’s what theologians would call the love of God working in the lives of men."

However, we understand the term "God," what might agape love look like during this time?

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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