A Merciful State of Mind
Article by Caleigh Gilchrist | 24 April 2020
Kenny’s Story
“School holidays are here again,” Kenny* (age 7) thinks with dismay. “I wish I could go hang out with my friends.”
One might attribute Kenny’s thoughts to COVID-19 stay-home restrictions. But even prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, you would have found Kenny home alone, eating biscuits and mint Mentos. This is what he does to stay awake while waiting for Zita*, his mother, to return home from work.
Zita is a single parent and lives with Kenny in a one room rental flat in Chinatown. Making ends meet has often been a challenge for Zita, as she has not always had a steady income. Formal childcare has never been an option, which is why Kenny’s previous school holidays were no different than the present - characterised by limited opportunity for meaningful activity and social interaction.
Zita and Kenny are not alone. There are many low-income and vulnerable families in Singapore who experience similar challenges in virtually all seasons of their lives, not just the present one marked by social distancing measures as a result of COVID-19. Whether this comes as a familiar narrative or as a shock, it should not discredit the fact that the virus is certainly having a significant and disproportionate impact on society’s most vulnerable.
This fact rightly causes many of us to wonder: What can I do, especially with the limitations we are all facing due to COVID-19?
The truth is, anything we are able to do for the vulnerable in this season may seem small and insignificant. But make no mistake - God is up to something big. And it starts with what is happening in your heart.
[*Names have been changed for confidentiality]
Adopt a merciful state of mind
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” - Matthew 5:3
If there’s one thing that this virus has taught us, it’s that we are all vulnerable. Some of us may be able to avoid falling physically ill, but what if our companies start announcing lay-offs? We may be able to go out to the market, but can we guarantee that the items we wish to buy will actually be on the shelves?
The current situation has shed light on the truth that even if we experience comfort and prosperity in this life, we are still vulnerable when left to our own efforts. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the face of sin and death. Matthew 5:3 above appeals to us to recognise our spiritual bankruptcy and our great need for a Saviour. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23). The shortcomings we experience in the spiritual realm give us a certain familiarity to the earthly plight of those like Kenny & Zita. This should build our compassion and permanently alter our posture towards those we consider vulnerable in our society.
Have you gone to God in prayer to ask him, “What are the good purposes that you seek to bring out in me through this difficult time?” Could it be that He is teaching you more about loving your neighbour as yourself? (Matthew 22:39) Might He be instilling in you a more permanent disposition of mercy towards those whom you consider most unlike you?
Act as if God is up to something big
God’s biggest work in this season may be happening in your heart but as we consider what we can do for the vulnerable in this time, it is also fitting to remember the Biblical precedent of God using small acts of love and mercy for manifold glory. “For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice…” (Zechariah 4:10).
One example could be the Apostle Paul. Finding himself in a Roman prison, Paul was in a much more limited position than we are currently. Yet he interceded in prayer, worshipped the Lord, declared the gospel, and wrote epistles. And if your heart has been stirred by Paul’s words today, you are a living testament to God’s ability to use these acts - which may have seemed insignificant at the time - to advance His Kingdom in a major way.
This brings to mind another act which observers struggled to see the full significance of at the time. After Jesus met death on the cross, even His disciples were left with disappointment, saying: “But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel…” (Luke 24:21). Yet we now know what was later revealed to the disciples: that Jesus’ death on the cross is the most significant act of love and mercy that will ever take place. Jesus became poor so that through His complete and utter poverty on the cross, we are granted the riches of God’s kingdom that rightly belong to Him alone (2 Corinthians 8:9).
For those of us who may be tempted to inaction - justified by thoughts of “I can’t really help much anyway” - this is a critical reminder. Intercede in prayer, worship the Lord, declare the gospel, write letters, make calls, contribute even a penny (Mark 12:42). Then watch and marvel at what the Lord does with it - acknowledging that we may never know in full in this life.
Remember that we are a body
Finally, we must remember that we are part of a larger body which God intended to work together to accomplish anything and everything. In his book Crazy Busy, Kevin DeYoung writes, “The only work that absolutely must be done in the world is Christ’s work. And Christ’s work is accomplished through Christ’s body. The church - gathered in worship on Sunday and scattered through its members throughout the week - is able to do exponentially more than any of us alone.”
The Mercy & Justice Ministry has been incredibly encouraged by many who have been caring for the vulnerable in creative ways, despite the suspension of our official programmes. Before the circuit breaker measures, RHC members delivered 30 care packages to the beneficiaries of our food distribution programme in Chinatown. One recipient wrote in to say how happy she and her children were to receive the items, which included extra groceries added by the volunteers, as her family’s diet had been restricted because of their limited finances.
We also praise God that He has worked through the church body to care for Kenny. Having learned about Zita’s childminding needs, an RHC couple volunteered to support them. This couple has included Kenny in their family time and outings, especially during the school holidays. They have even provided for some of Kenny’s healthcare needs and participation in enrichment programs. Yet the significance of providing Kenny with this support, or even providing him with an earthly father figure, does not compare to that of giving Kenny a glimpse of the radical love of our Heavenly Father.
What God can do through you for the poor and vulnerable at this time may surprise you. And we are convicted that it is deeper, bigger, and more permanent than you may have imagined. Turn to God in prayer and listen for His voice. You may just hear Him say, “Behold, I am doing a new thing”! (Isaiah 43:19)
Article by Caleigh Gilchrist. Caleigh is the Mercy & Justice Leader at Redemption Hill Church. She and her husband, Trent, attend 2nd Congregation and lead the East Coast Community Group.