“After a lot of thought and it was a very hard decision, unfortunately, we have to make you redundant.” Those are words that rank up there with “you’ve tested positive for coronavirus” that no person wants to hear. A second virus is now raging a war on us and that is the Unemployment Virus and it will do as much damage as the actual virus has.

I could give you the stats about unemployment, but you probably have heard it from the news, your family, your company. By now most of us know someone whose job is ‘under review’ or someone we love has been made redundant. Galatians 6:2: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

As a community, we must rally and support those suffering from unemployment. Unemployment is an evil virus that can destroy someone causing homelessness, families to go hungry, mental health issues, and at worst suicide. By helping our friends and family who are now unemployed we might not ease their pain but we can help them carry their crosses. 

Prayer

Pray for people who have been made redundant and pray with them too!  Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”

• Have a Zoom pray meeting together
• Do an online bible study together 
• Meditate together on an Ascension Presents podcast
• Jam to some Christian music together online

Love

John 15:12: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” There’s nothing like friends and families to comfort you when faced with life’s challenges. While you might not be able to support your friends and family with a hug take the support online. Besides praying together, contact, connect and engage with your and friends and families who have been made redundant. 

• Watch a movie together online
• Face time, call, Whatsapp message your friend
• Do a fitness challenge together
• Take Friday Drinks online
• Have a virtual dinner together
• My personal favourite – do an online book club together

Financial

Helping our friends out financially during a time when they are facing financial hardship is solution that offers the most practical help. To best help the person you love have a conversation with them about how you can help. James 2:14-17: “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

• Buy them groceries 
• Cook meals for them and drop them off 
• Send them relevant job adverts
• Proofread their resumes and cover letters
• Donate to charities helping people who are unemployed

Combating the Unemployment Virus does not diminish the very real suffering of those who have coronavirus and those who have lost someone to coronavirus. There exists a second group of people who are suffering as a result of the Unemployment Virus. Recently I have watched my colleagues, good friends, and family being made redundant.  I saw the Unemployment Virus wreak havoc in the lives of people I care about and I’m guessing by now you’ve witnessed it too. Sadly, there is no cure for the Unemployment Virus people are not just going to magically get jobs. But we can carry their cross with them by surrounding them with love, prayer, and support.

Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash

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