Here is a list of things to challenge us. The first one is ‘bowels of mercies.
Do we have feelings ourselves? We need to cultivate feelings for others. We need to put ourselves in the position of others. We need to intercede more for them and think of what he is bringing upon himself or herself. Be forward in every opportunity of helpfulness or assistance. Be a person who encourages others and cheers up others because you feel for them in their distress. By doing this, you will make a contribution to help, just as Christ behaved in this world. Just as the apostle who says he went through all kinds of things ‘for the elects’ sakes.’ He did not know the people to whom he would be preaching in the next town where he would no doubt suffer persecution, but he felt for them; they were the elect of God there and he loved them and went to be an instrument of God towards them. Practise at home, deep feelings for your wife, for your husband. Every day are there deep feelings? Be alarmed at your hardness. Why is there so little dedication today in the churches? Is it the absence of deep feeling? Is this the reason? Have you ever read church history? Have you read the great revival instruments? Have you not noticed the deep feelings exhibited by them?
Am I sometimes too important in my own imagination to help such-and-such a person? Let it never be. Do I let pride come in and spoil kindness? Assuming that the other person is ignorant and I am the one who knows. Or do I show humility and kindness together? Pray and intercede. If you intercede a lot for people, you are bound to become a kinder person.
In our present situation, it is disappointing to see here and there Christians, even churches, that are very resentful of lockdown. We are in charge of our own affairs, we are not under the state. We will not wear face masks; we will not desist from singing. Where is the meekness, the readiness to accept rule and order, even if you are critical of it? Instead, there is petulance, even from ministers.