Lesson 3: Think of Others

“For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 Jn. 4:20-21 

COVID-19 is definitely here to teach us to think of others.
It is giving us the greatest choice and fight of our lives –
COmpassion Versus InDifference

What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Spreading authentic advisory or creating fake news?
Donating alcohol and facemasks or hoarding them?
Supporting small business or killing them?
Observing ceasefire or spreading terrorism?
Praying for government leaders or bashing them?
Self/community quarantine or strolling?
Obedience or quarrels?
Worshiping or worrying?

You can add an ending list of options.
But again,
What are you choosing?
What do you think Filipinos are choosing?

Listen, God’s message for us through COVID-19 is very clear.
“Love your neighbors as you love yourself.” Mark 12:31

Yes, your love for yourself cannot be separated for the betterment of your neighbors.
Otherwise, your love for yourself is fake!

Listen more.
For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1Jn. 4:20-21

Yes, your greatest expression of love for God is to love and be generous to your neighbors. Otherwise, your love for God is fake!

In a nutshell – your love of God (lesson 1) and your love for yourself (lesson 2) is not separated for your love for others (lesson 3)
If these three are not in unison (triune) – our love is FAKE!

Let’s pause for a while and reflect…

Is my Love for God, for myself, and for others integrated to each other?
What experience/s of mine nowadays can I see the integration of the three?

Before you continue reading, I invite you to pray and sing this song.
Play it. 

Now, whatever your answers are, let’s pray that the Lord will teach us to think of others - na tutuan Niya tayong maging bukas-palad (to teach us to be generous).

Because in this new and very difficult moment of our lives,
Our normal tendency is to secure ourselves,
To secure our own families,
To secure our own job,
To secure our own businesses,
Etc.

But hear this well.
The more we think only of ourselves (Dr. DeMarco calls this, contraceptive mentality) the more COVID-19 spreads.

The more we think only of our own security, the more we cannot surpass this pandemic
After all, I believe COVID-19 is not really the enemy – it is SELFISHNESS

St. James already warned us.
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:16

Filipinos, I invite you- let us fight selfishness.
Let’s choose COmpassion Versus InDifference
This is only what can truly save us from this worldwide pandemic.

Let’s Pray
(Silence) 

Generous Father,
We thank you for today.
Continue to sustain us and protect us from harm.
Help us also sustain and protect the lives of our neighbors.
Help us to give what we can give. In Jesus name. Amen.
`
Points for reflections
1. What can I share today to help others?
2. How can I spread generosity nowadays?