My wife and I were talking this morning about the Virginia governor’s shelter in place order that extends to June 10th. It seems that as the weather changed, hundreds in Virginia were heading to Virginia’s beaches, ignoring the government’s suggested limitations. So, the suggestion was made into an order, and for the next 10-11 weeks, all will stay home except for necessary outings.
This, of course, is to keep people from getting sick, and to save lives. But, I told her, think of all those who are in domestic situations that include abuse. Wives, and children, cooped up with abusive husbands and fathers, who may be losing jobs, depressed, (and the “necessary” liquor stores are still open)!
We have heard so much about the benefits of this “shelter in place” reality we have at present. We have time for study, we have time for family, we have time for hobbies. The problem with this is that we may have too much time! Too much time to get on one another’s nerves. Too much time with children who are normally at school. Too much time to stew. Too much time to fret. Too much time!
The word of the day today is kindness! Consider Jehovah’s words to Zechariah. “And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another, do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart’” (Zechariah 7:8-10, ESV).
When stuck in place with family, it is so important for everyone to be kind to one another. I fear that the good humor being exhibited by Americans as we are “all in this together” will dissipate as the quarantine continues. This will be an especially challenging time for families, as our familiarity with one another can lead quickly to sharp words and short tempers. Basic civility is needed as the weeks progress.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8, ESV)
Just a note, both passages quoted above are from the English Standard Version. The New King James version, which I typically use, changes the word kindness to compassion, and mercy, respectively. Both words rightly describe the concept as well.
Finally, note the response of the people to Zechariah’s preaching. “But they refused to heed, shrugged their shoulders, and stopped their ears so that they could not hear. Yes, they made their hearts like flint, refusing to hear the law and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent by His Spirit through the former prophets. Thus great wrath came from the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 7:11-12).
The next few weeks will be a stern test. Will you keep your good temper? Will you be considerate, compassionate, kind? Your family needs you to be at your very best right now! “Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21:21).
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