10 Ways We Can Love Our Neighbors During COVID-19

All of our lives have been dramatically impacted by the COVID-19 virus.

Our family has been having all kinds of conversations I never imagined we’d need to have. What happens if my wife’s office has to suddenly close its doors? How long could we make it? If the office stays open, what about the risk that poses to our son who has asthma? Should she consider self-quarantining now? How long until we might see her again? Oh and by the way, was there any meat at the supermarket today?

These are just a few of the concerns going on between us, but all around us people are reeling. We’ve had friends have to lay off dozens of employees with no guarantee they will be able to find work elsewhere. Others have lost their businesses, jobs or other needed sources of income. Some are sick and unsure of what kind of health care might be available to them if things get worse.

For many, it’s a scary time to be alive.

While many of us are stuck at home trying to find our way in this new reality, it’d be easy to become consumed with what’s happening within our four walls. Just beyond those walls, however, are all kinds of opportunities to love those around us.

For those of us who follow Jesus, love of neighbor is of primary importance. Though fear and the twenty-four hour news cycle might tempt us to focus solely on self-preservation, the way of Jesus will always lead us in the way of self-sacrificial love.

So what are some things we can do right now to love those around us? Here a few ideas:

1. Look Out For The Most Vulnerable

Just over a week ago I would have been the first to tell you that I was pretty convinced this whole thing was blown out of proportion and not really that big of a deal. Boy, was I wrong. That said, I do understand why some aren’t very concerned about the virus, especially when it seems to pose little threat to them personally. The problem is that for those who are more vulnerable - the elderly, the diabetic, those with asthma or compromised immune systems, etc - the virus represents a very real and immediate threat. One very concrete way we can look out for the most vulnerable is by seriously observing the recommendations given to us from health officials. This includes thoroughly and regularly washing our hands, avoiding public spaces, practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible. Remember, this isn’t about you or I. This is about us.

2. Be Outside And Present

Many are stuck at home and feeling the effects of isolation and loneliness. Knowing this is likely to only increase with time, our family has tried to make a point of being outside on our driveway or in our front yard as much as possible. As a result, over the past couple of weeks we’ve had a number of neighbors both past and present see us and reach out to connect. Some have stopped by or walked across the street. A few joined us last week for a socially distanced bonfire. Others have called or texted after seeing us when they drove by. Many honk and waive with a smile. Our goal in this is simply to be as visible, present and available to our neighbors as we can right now.

3. Start a Community Project

Last week a friend invited a few of us to join him in cutting out a new walking trail in our neighborhood. Even with the current restrictions there was plenty of space to spread out and do something meaningful together. And when it is all said and done, there will be something new created for our neighbors to enjoy with us. Depending on how the coming months play out, future projects could also include things like working towards starting a community garden, building a little free library book-sharing box for the neighborhood, etc. What might you build or begin that would add value to the lives of your neighbors down the road?

A few friends working together to clear out a new walking trail for their neighbors during COVID-19

4. Check In On Those Around You

One simple way to love on those around us is to let them know we are thinking about them and to ask what they need. One of our friends has a text thread with those on his street who have indicated they have extra grocery items or services that can be shared if someone is running short. This includes everything from peanut butter and charcoal, to bread and lawn services. Together they are making sure the vulnerable in their neighborhood have everything they need right now. Don’t know where to start? Here and here are a couple great resources for letting your neighbors know you care and are available to help.

5. Connect with a Local Senior Center

It seems every time the news is on we are reminded again of just how dangerous COVID-19 can be for those advanced in years. I imagine it has to be a uniquely difficult and scary time for many of them. In response, one of our good friends is carving out time with their kids each evening to make crafts for those in a local senior center. A couple others have struck up pen pal relationships with local residents. Another from our community is collecting crafts from any local family who wants to participate and delivering them all local seniors.

This is a card made by our friend’s young daughter for her anonymous elderly pen pal. Did she refer to him as hot? Yes. Did she make both his day and ours? Yes. Yes, she did.

6. Double Down on Supporting Local Businesses

We love to shop and support local businesses as much as we can as a family. During this season we are doing our best to double down. Some ideas for ways to do this include: diverting as much spending as you can from big box stores in order to purchase those goods from local businesses, tipping double what you normally would, sending money to those in the service industry you would otherwise normally frequent, ordering curbside pickup as you are able and comfortable with doing so, and purchasing gift cards that can be used at a later date. If you are able, even better is purchasing gift cards and giving them to people who are in need now. This ensures the local business gets access to those funds sooner than later. A couple great resources for Knoxvillians can be found here and here.

7. Give Blood

Just one pint of donated blood can save up to three lives. However, the Red Cross and other organizations are reporting severe shortages in blood right now. Many previously scheduled blood drives have been canceled due to the pandemic creating a dire and immediate need for blood donors. For those healthy enough to do so and in areas where travel is not restricted, you can search for nearby American Red Cross blood drives here. For those here in the Knoxville area, you can find local drives with the Medic Regional Blood Center here.

8. Reach Out to the Singles in Your Life

Over the past couple of weeks social media has been flooded with posts of families trying to make the most of this difficult time with their loved ones. For our own part, we’’ve been trying to establish a new routine, figure out how to homeschool three littles and not run over each other in the process. However, as hard as it sometimes is, we are figuring it out together. Single adults, however, have an altogether different challenge before them right now. I imagine the silence can feel quite loud at times. Now would be a great time to drop them a line to see how they’re doing and let them know how much you care about them.

One of the gals from our community turned this old baby gate into a prayer wall. It serves as a visual reminder to continually keep her friends and neighbors in prayer.

9. Prayer Walk Your Neighborhood

Prayer walking my neighborhood has become one of my favorite pastimes. It’s a chance for me to bring each of my neighbors concerns, desires and needs to God in prayer. And because I am convinced God loves my neighbors more than I ever could, that He longs to draw them to Himself and that He loves to give good gifts to his kids, I also believe it is one of the most loving things I can do for them. If you decide to go for a prayer walk, I encourage you to pray for the neighbors you know by name. Pray over their loved ones. Pray for their health and protection. Pray for peace over their home in this season. Pray for healing where it is needed. Pray for wisdom as they make difficult decisions in the days to come. And as you pass by businesses and schools along the way, pray for them and for the lives and livelihoods they represent.

10. Choose To Believe The Best About One Another

Headlines in the coming weeks will continue to include stories that induce fear and perpetuate anxiety. Some will likely include extreme examples self-preservation and misconduct.

While stories like these get lots of views and clicks, they are not the norm. It is in times like these that we also get glimpses of humanity at its best.

We are already seeing them: creative ways to meet needs and step in; acts of kindness, generosity, compassion and selflessness. They shine bright in days like ours. And they are happening everywhere.

In this time, let’s choose to pay special attention to those stories.

Even better, let’s choose to live them.