Coronavirus response: Some reasons to give thanks

In this whole crisis we thank God that the Government’s clear aim is to save lives. That’s not always true in every time and place. But with COVID-19, everything is being done with that intent. All politicians agree. Measures to fight the epidemic are clearing Parliament without a vote.

Christians should take note and give thanks. Fallen people, in need of salvation, are rightly seeking to alleviate human suffering. They are acting as though they are made in God’s image – which indeed they are. What a blessing it is to us all! God’s common grace at work.

People may argue about the best way to do things, but as a country we are resolved to save as many lives as possible. Protecting life is a great thing. A biblical thing. Christians always work to have this principle accepted far and wide.

There is another Christian principle which our country holds dear at this present time. People must make sacrifices to help others. Despite personal risks, NHS workers keep calm and carry on. We play our part, too. Whether taking extra care to wash our hands or cough into tissues, self-isolating, or refraining from panic-buying, we are acting in the interests of other people, not just ourselves. As Christ taught: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

We give thanks for all those working in the health service, the police and for the millions of key workers who restock supermarket shelves, collect bins or drive buses. We all depend on them to do their work. We pray for them and for those in local and national Government, our Queen, and for our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Let’s also remember the words of the Dutch theologian Abraham Kuyper, who said: “There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”

Jesus Christ is on the throne. God is working his purposes out for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28) and to build his Church (Matthew 16:18).

Please remember us as we seek to keep our important work going on despite the inevitable practical difficulties. And let’s all pray that our sovereign God will use these extraordinary times for his glory.