It is more important now than ever to continue pouring into the lives of the people around you. I know it is a struggle on the best of days and feels impossible on the hardest of days, but don’t give up ministering to your family, friends, and community. 

Here are 4 reasons to keep sharing Jesus—especially when the world feels upside down 

• Your People Need Hope: The ever-changing nature during a pandemic can leave people feeling unsettled and even fearful, which can lead to feeling hopeless. Now more than ever your people need hope, the one true hope we have in Jesus. As you continue to share encouragement through Scripture and prayer, you bring much needed hope and life to the other person’s mind, heart, and spirit. 

• Your People Need Your Message: No matter whether you feel like you have something important to add to the messages already floating around or not, the truth is your people need your voice. Don’t doubt what value you bring to the conversation, your story touches people in a way no one else can because your experiences are unique to you. Share how you’ve struggled and how you’ve found peace, joy, and strong faith through your struggles. Be as open and vulnerable as you can be when sharing, your people need to hear it. They will be encouraged knowing if God got you through dark times, He will get them through, too. Your voice is needed.

• Your People Need Connection: With all of the stay-at-home mandates and social distancing protocols, many people feel disconnected no matter how many times they see messages that say, “We’re in this together” or “Alone Together,” some of your people just feel alone. Period. Make it a point to keep reaching out and staying connected during these times, especially as we approach the holiday season, which is typically a hard season for many people anyway. Let your people know you are thinking of them, ask them how you can pray, and if you live in the same community, ask if you can help with errands or food delivery. 

• Your People Need Normal: One of the first things I crave when I am in the middle of a changing season is normalcy. I want to feel like something, anything, is still the same. Chances are your people also want to feel some sense of routine. You can fill that need by being consistent and steady. Whether you regularly call, send an email, post on social media, or whatever way you normally show up, don’t stop now. Don’t be afraid you will overwhelm or distract them. It may just be the distraction they need to feel like one thing has remained the same. 

It’s true we are living through something we have never experienced before. Everything seems weird and unsettled, and yet we can find a rhythm in the new routine. The one thing that doesn’t change should be our willingness to keep showing up for the people in our lives. Keep pressing into God’s Word and pray for His guidance each step of the way. Don’t give up, friend. Keep pressing in to the lives of the people around you. 

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 ESV