Let's be positive and caring in face of tough times ahead

Some people may never return to work after months of furlough and the UK is likely to experience a tough recession before we bounce back from the effects of Covid-19.

This will have a negative impact not just on people’s pay, but on people’s self-esteem and sense of purpose.

We all remember the struggles of our mining communities who have felt the long-term impact of unemployment.

In general, work is a good thing. It offers structured purpose, a sense of community and often tremendous satisfaction and fulfilment.

However hard our local key workers may have found the past few months at work, I doubt many would swap it for unemployment. People are designed to work in useful occupation: paid or otherwise, so when that is threatened, we must watch out for each other, or the fabric of society begins to weaken.

As a Christian I draw inspiration from the Bible. You and I are made in the image of God.

God works. In Genesis God creates the universe, then takes a rest from His work to build

relationship with people. Soon afterward, the role of work is given to humans.

The Bible depicts the everyday ups and downs of people in a huge range of occupations,

from midwives, judges, craftspeople, civil servants, soldiers, shipbuilders, the contribution

of the retired, stay-at-home parents and more.

It is also concerned with the plight of slaves and beggars.

Social care is of high priority. An ethnic group are delivered from slavery, as a baby Jesus has to be protected from state sanctioned genocide.

Prophets denounce exploitative working practices. The Bible calls for society to make daily provisions for widows, orphans and the destitute.

Work matters to God. How our society looks after each other in times of trial and hardship matters too.

We may not be able to prevent hardship coming, but we can always show kindness. We can help people to rebuild, reskill and reimagine their futures.

Let Sheffield be a positive city of enterprise and community care in the times to come.

The Reverend Nick Allan is a minister of The Well Sheffield Church, Ecclesall Road, Sharrow.

See wellsheffield.com for more information.