With the growing COVID-19 pandemic, the church finds itself in unchartered territory.

Christians love community. In fact, the early church was built upon fellowship. Acts 2:46-47 says, “Day after day they met as a group in the Temple and had their meals together in their homes …”

Breaking bread and praising God together, that’s how the church grew. But the coronavirus challenges how we normally do things in the church. It says we can’t be within an arm’s length of each other. We can’t eat together. We can’t even meet under the same roof.

Yet, social distancing provides an unprecedented opportunity to love in new ways. To love outside the four walls of the church. To accept that the “Ecclesia” is not a building, but a body of people who want to reflect the light of Jesus to an anxious world. And now more than ever, the world needs this hope.

Here are 5 ways you can love your neighbors during this pandemic:

1. Reach out to them. Call, text, Skype, Zoom, What’sApp - use whatever means possible to contact your friends, family, and neighbors and show them you care about them.

“Help carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2

2. Pray for them. Ask God to remove fear, protect them from the virus, and strengthen them as their daily routine has been disrupted.

“First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless them all, and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.” – 1 Timothy 2:1

3. Point them to Scripture. God’s Word offers hope and comfort. Invite others to join The Bible Quarantine for a few minutes of Scripture and encouragement on Instagram.

“Your word is a lamp to guide me and a light for my path.” – Psalm 119:105

4. Say thank you. Show gratitude to medical professionals, government officials, your employer, your pastor, and others who are working around the clock to keep us safe and connected.

“And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

5. Invite them to livestream worship services. As the church finds new creative ways to worship together, invite others to experience the power of Jesus from their home.

“Some people have gotten out of the habit of meeting for worship, but we must not do that.” – Hebrews 10:25