3 Things to “Open” As Borders Reopen
“No man is an island” goes the famous saying. And the recent reopening of international borders is good news to most in Malaysia, especially after two years of prolonged isolation.
Like coming out of hibernation, we may now need to re-orientate ourselves to more people, more traffic and more activities. But besides open borders, there are three other areas in our life we can “open”:
Open hearts – To keep an open heart in receiving more changes coming our way.
Whilst borders remain closed we may have adopted new habits, new lifestyles and new mindsets. Have we become more adaptable over the past two years, or more battle-hardened due to hardships? Now with borders reopening, are we ready to change again?
To experience drastic changes in a short period of time can be disorientating, but it could help to keep an open heart and an open mind to embrace the “new” yet again. This “new” could come in the form of price hikes, different travel rules, more foreigners, and even seeing family members and friends that have (*gasp*) changed drastically – or some that haven’t at all!
Open hands – To be open-handed in giving freely, generously and sharing with others.
Throughout the pandemic some of us may have scrimped, for fear of an uncertain future. Some have saved a lot of money working from home, not commuting, eating out less and not going on holidays. Some have continued to give freely to the less fortunate.
Whatever the case, may we model after our generous Father in Heaven and “not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). Let’s be ready to give generously – of our time, service, words of encouragement or a listening ear – to those in need, pandemic or no pandemic.
Open conversations – To be open about sharing our faith with others, in and out of season.
If there’s one thing we learnt from Covid-19, it’s that life is fragile. The Bible says it plainly: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).
And because God desires that everyone be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), let’s be ready and open to share our faith with those around us. If you need some pointers on how to go about starting and steering a conversation towards sharing the Gospel, our resource site Daily Faith can help you.
About the Author
Wan Phing Lim is a contributor to Our Daily Bread Ministries Malaysia. Born and raised in Penang, she studied Politics before turning to a career in writing. She loves coffee, books and films.
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