God and HIV/AIDS

"The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-22

     While reading the newspaper the other day, I learned Zimbabwe has one of the world's highest AIDS infection rates. The news article was reporting the findings of a recent United Nations conference held in Johannesburg.

     As Christians, we must constantly remind others and ourselves that AIDS remains a growing global epidemic. Although there is no cure for AIDS, there is spiritual strength for the journey. Through our lives and churches, we must reach out to those living with AIDS with God's generous and nonjudgmental love.

     AIDS is not "just a gay disease." AIDS is no respecter of sexual orientation, gender, culture, economic status or religious preference. This disease affects and infects millions of people around the world. We must remind our young and old alike that AIDS is a reality in today's world. AIDS is a local as well as global problem, for the majority of people do not know they are infected. Tragically, far too many live where life-saving medications are unavailable.

     In twenty years, experts predict there will be more than 40 million orphans under the age of 15 in 23 countries. AIDS will claim the lives of both their parents. AIDS is quickly wiping out the gains made in life expectancy in many countries.

     What can we do? Begin locally. Make a difference in AIDS awareness right now. An old proverb reminds us an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The spread of HIV can be dramatically prevented through education. Learn how to prevent AIDS. Pray for and support your doctors and educators who are training people in these lifesaving areas. Break the silence that so often surrounds AIDS. By doing so, you will save lives.

     Do not shun those with the disease, rather, open your arms to them in love and concern. Comfort and encourage those struggling with AIDS with the compassion of Jesus Christ. When daily realities are overwhelming, remember God's enormous love for you and Zimbabwe never ceases. God is faithful and will not abandon you. God's mercies are new every morning; tenderly reaching out to Zimbabwe. Do the best you can with what you have, and live each day in the steadfast and unchanging love of God.

     Prayer: Faithful God, we pray for each person affected by HIV/AIDS around the world. We pray for a cure for this dread disease, and for equity and justice in the medical and drug distribution to those living with AIDS. May your unceasing, steadfast love for people living with HIV/AIDS be evident through our words and deeds of compassion. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
July 3, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute and share this reflection with the people of Zimbabwe.