by Margene Thompson
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
As I write this, I’m embracing the start of a new season marked by back to school and garden harvests. My heart and mind are busy places right now—just as I’m offering blessings and grace for students and teachers returning to school and beaming up thanks for the bounty of the land.
For me, it was hard to close this season when we haven’t been able to experience the fullness of activities that bring so much to our lives. The time we share at our conventions and synodical meetings is precious. I’ve missed being together, lifting our voices in praise, bowing our heads in prayer, leaning into one another to share experiences, the laughter and joy that comes from women worshipping together. I missed the renewal that I receive from those meetings—a renewal that helps strengthen my faith and supports me in practicing and living with God’s light shining.
I’m not alone in having these feelings. In conversations with women, a comment that I have heard often is as the pandemic wears on and challenges people to their cores, kindness, patience, and love seem to be lost. Yet, as women, those beautiful virtues are often the ones that we exhibit, offer, and share with our friends, families, and communities.
What verses give you hope?
The good news: Kind words can heal the heart and mind. What verses give you hope and lift you up?
As Lutheran women, our faith is active. How can we continue to stay connected when we can’t be together? Get involved with random acts of kindness. Here are some ideas:
Image on Unsplash | United Nations COVID-19 response
- Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them.
- Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while.
- Arrange to have a cup of tea and virtual catch up with someone you know (do Bible study together virtually; consider doing daily devotions on the phone or Zoom with a friend).
- Tell someone you know that you are proud of them.
- Tell someone you know why you are thankful for them.
- Send a Bible verse or a motivational text to a friend who is struggling.
- Send an inspirational quote to a friend.
- Reach out to call a friend, family member, or neighbor who is experiencing loneliness or self-isolation.
- Give praise to your colleague for something they’ve done well (make sure you share thanks for your pastor and church staff).
- Donate to food banks.
- Send an interesting article to a friend.
- Offer to skill share with a friend via video call. You could teach guitar, dance, etc.
- Offer support to vulnerable neighbors.
- Offer to send/take someone a takeaway meal.
Remember that these pandemic constraints will come to an end. In the meantime, we are going to be physically closer to some and more distant from others. To come through this, we all need to talk, listen, and care for each other. We must build on what brought us together and what we want to see in the future.
As we move through these uncertain times, let’s do so with the grace and purpose we have within us. Love one another with mutual affection. Outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10).
Margene Thompson is president of the South Dakota Synodical Women’s Organization. This column first appeared in the organization’s newsletter.
Photo by Andrea Tummons on Unsplash
Biblical kindness
Margene offers Bible verses from the NRSV translation that demonstrate biblical kindness:
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
Anxiety weighs down the human heart, but a good word cheers it up (Proverbs 12:25).
Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was beset as a city under siege (Psalm 31:21).
As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience (Colossians 3:12).
The mind of the wise makes their speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to their lips.
Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:23-24)
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor (Proverbs 21:21).
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it (Hebrews 13:2).