Frankly, it’s overwhelming. Not the Coronavirus, though that’s stressful enough. No, all the talk is overwhelming. The flood of opinions from political experts, medical experts, and church experts is overwhelming. I don’t want to check my twitter feed anymore.

Yes, we’ve listened to the experts and done we we’re supposed to do. We are providing help to people. We’ve canceled our activities. We’ve strengthened our communication infrastructure to keep the church connected and are utilizing technology for the gospel.

But the experts keep talking. And I keep checking twitter and stressing over what else we should be doing. What else I should be doing.

Last night my mind went back to the Spring of 1991. I was 24, finishing my postgraduate degree, and about to start my first pastorate. I was young, educated, and on my way. And still ignorant as box of rocks.

Walking out of the seminary one day, I met Professor Dr. O.R. Baldwin on his way in. He stopped me to congratulate me on my church. He asked if he could give me a piece of advice. I said sure and readied myself for some gem of practical advice for ministry success. You know what he said?

“Love your people, Brent. Love your people.”

That was it. Just love your people. Got it. Thanks a lot.

Four years later, our church of a hundred or so was shaken within the span of a couple of months by the Oklahoma City Bombing, the death of a 15-year-old in a motorcycle accident, and the death of another young man at his own hands.

In those moments, the church didn’t need a bright young pastor with infrastructure and technology expertise. No, those frightened and hurting people needed a pastor who loved them with the love of Christ.

By all means, in the midst of this pandemic let’s act responsibly. Let’s strengthen our communication infrastructures to connect our people and deploy technology for the gospel.

But above all, pastors, let us love our people with the love of Christ. Let us labor sacrificially that in these troubled days their hope and assurance will be placed solely and firmly in Christ and His gospel.

Cause here’s the deal. When everything else fails – including infrastructure and technology, this love remains. This love never ends.

1 Corinthians 13