Last Sunday one of our elders at Faith Family Church exhorted us to unite amid a crisis that is causing strife and division among the Lord’s people. He mentioned how the devil wants us to focus on our differences and allow those differences to define us and shape how we see others. Such divisiveness is rooted in pride, which is something all of us struggle with at times.

In pondering all this I came across the following verse from Proverbs: “He that handles a matter wisely shall find good.” (Proverbs 16:20) I thought about how I might handle the COVID-19 pandemic wisely, since it has proved very frustrating to me, often to the point of anger. I was convicted that my reaction could easily prove divisive and injure the unity of our church. So, in thinking about this and looking at Solomon’s words in Proverbs, I came up with the following things I could do better in handling COVID-19:

1. Remain Calm

This is a big deal for me, given my temperament. It’s something for which I must depend on the Holy Spirit to enable me to maintain self-control. It doesn’t help anyone else for me to get mad about things. “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife.” (Proverbs 15:18) Allowing anger to control you makes you apt to saying and doing the wrong thing. We need to constantly yield to the Spirit’s control so that the peace of God can rule in our hearts. (Colossians 3:15)

2. Be Courteous

Not everyone is going to agree on the policies and guidelines established by churches, businesses, and even individuals to address COVID. Disagreement turns into division when pride takes over. We begin to think we’re right and everyone else is wrong. But instead of insisting on the correctness of your way and your perspective, be open to the possibility you could be the one who’s wrong. We demonstrate respect for others by actively listening to their opinions, considering their concerns, and not reacting in a disagreeable manner. Solomon says, “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” (Proverbs 18:13 NLT)

3. Continue Learning

God intends our trials to be instructive and transformative. The Psalmist said, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” (Psalm 119:71) Peter wrote to suffering saints that “after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10)

I can handle COVID much better when I remember God is already handling it, and that he “works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) And in the fiery trials of life, remember God’s hand is on both the thermostat and the timer. The intensity and length of this pandemic is controlled by the God of all grace who wants us to grow up in Christ.

Looking at this crisis as a learning experience helps me discern the Lord’s hand in it. He’s teaching me humility, the importance of community, and to trust him when I can’t track him. The Lord is also giving me a deeper gratitude for his church and for the wonderful privilege it is to serve the Lord’s people.

What is he teaching you?