Now that we've been dealing with the coronavirus for almost two months, one thing is clear—there are numerous opinions about how to handle this situation. Some are personally very cautious, seldom going out in public. Others are less concerned, desiring to see a quick return to normal. Some have a strong opinion against continued isolation, while others would prefer to see isolation orders remain in place. And, of course, there are many views about when and how churches should re-open.
As Christians, how do we respond to differing opinions about how and when we should return to normal life? This is a critical question for us now, because, if we're not careful, we can find ourselves frustrated with other believers. Hurt feelings could easily occur, and Satan would love to see believers at odds with one another because of COVID-19. Here are a few ways to help you consider how to respond when others have a different viewpoint than you regarding the coronavirus and how we re-open as a society.
First, recognize that there is no clearly correct answer, and no one has the perfect solution. We're all wading in uncharted waters, and no one is able to see into the future to know what will happen next—only God has that knowledge.
Second, respect differing convictions. As believers, we know that we see in a glass dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12), and none of us, therefore, has a perfect answer to such a complex situation as we're now facing. If another believer comes to a different conclusion than you do about when churches should re-open, how states should allow businesses to re-emerge, or other circumstances that aren't clearly guided by Scripture, then we should respectfully understand that different convictions are ok.
Third, be patient, gracious, and loving. Everyone is walking through a situation that they've never experienced before, so, perhaps more than ever, our interaction and consideration for one another should be governed by love. Does your brother or sister in Christ view this situation differently than you? Whatever the conviction you have, view others with love and patience. After all, Paul tells us how to relate to one another: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Pastor Scott
