Note to a Friend

Dear Friend, I am concerned for you. Public health lockdowns were over several months ago, and most churches have long since gone back to meeting in person to worship, receive the sacraments, and study God’s Word together. Some people say they prefer to worship on line and cannot come back to the fellowship because of fear of Covid-19. But I see them at the supermarket, in restaurants, at the theater, and in other public places, just not meeting with the congregation. This is sad because their absence is a loss for them and for us. They miss opportunities for mutual support and encouragement (see Hebrews 10:24-25), and the rest of us feel like a part of us is missing. Even worse, absence from the fellowship can be dangerous when it becomes a habit. Nature documentaries show us what happens to loners: they become more vulnerable to attack. We know there is a lion out there looking for someone to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8), and this is a greater danger than Covid-19. I do not know the details of your situation, but I miss you and pray for your return to your brothers and sisters in Christ.