I don’t normally listen to Chinese songs, but one new song, written by two local music artistes have struck me in recent days.

Written by JJ Lin and Stephanie Sun, “Stay With You” pays tribute to the medical community battling the virus. The song was reportedly initiated by JJ Lin—a Christian—who arranged and sang the song. Stefanie penned the lyrics.

The song touched me as I think of the many doctors and nurses working around the clock to help those who are suspected or who have contracted the virus in Singapore. Those affected must be really worried, and it must be so comforting to have these dedicated medical staff so ready to stay by their side and help them battle their infections.

Their compassion and care remind me of how Jesus responded when He travelled through the towns and villages to proclaim the good news. “When he saw the crowds,” says Matthew 9:36, “he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

When He saw how distressed people were, especially those afflicted by diseases, Jesus knew what they needed most: compassion. He also saw that the fallen conditions of this world had caused many to feel harassed and helpless. Apart from healing and comfort, Jesus knew that what they really needed was the hope that comes from knowing and trusting in Him.

It’s significant that Jesus’ response, after ministering to these people, was to turn to His disciples and challenge them to speak to those whose ears were ripe and ready to hear the good news. “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” He said. “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (vv. 37–38).

The world needs a Saviour like never before. As a disciple of the Lord Jesus, I must remind myself not to turn away if an opportunity arises to pray for someone, or to offer love and help to someone who needs it. We are Jesus’ hands and feet to show His love.

For me, JJ Lin’s and Stefanie Sun’s song also remind me that ultimately, the One who will always stay with us is God. As 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 tells us, our God is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

As we stand strong in God’s comfort, may we share this comfort with others.

Jesus, thank You for Your ever-ready
compassion and comfort
that gives me strength and hope
in these times of uncertainty.
May I love, care for, and comfort others just as
You love, care for, and comfort me