With all the uncertainty and stress that surrounds the coronavirus epidemic, there is increased potential for relational tension as we disagree at times over the appropriate response. Among those who follow Jesus, there can be a spectrum of opinions when it comes to how we think about the virus and our society’s response. On one end of the spectrum there are those who believe that the fear and caution surrounding the virus has been overblown. On the other end there are those who believe that we are not doing enough to curb the spread of the virus and should be doing more. What can make it more confusing is that data and experts can be found to support any position or opinion.
When it comes to something that affects us so profoundly on a personal and global scale, it makes sense that we carry strong views on the issue. However, when these views begin to affect the way we engage and treat our brothers and sisters in Christ, we need to listen to the call of the gospel to “pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19)
Through the centuries, the Church has encountered many topics where good Christians have come to different conclusions. When these issues don’t touch on the essentials of the Christian faith, we label them matters of Christian liberty.
Paul spends much time in his letters addressing how we think about Christian liberty and the fact that followers of Jesus can hold different opinions on important issues and topics while still maintaining Christian love and fellowship. In fact, it is often in these places of disagreement, that the work of the Holy Spirit is most evident in shaping our communities around the message of the Cross.
In Romans 12 we see Paul exhort the church with these foundational words:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10)
Here Paul is addressing a group of Christians from different backgrounds (rich and poor, free and slave, man and woman, gentile and Jew) that carry many different views on tangential issues (politics, diet, holidays and festivals). He is encouraging this diverse group of people to go out of their way to yield to one another in matters of conscience and preference.
Further on in chapter 14, he builds on this idea to address the doctrine of Christian liberty directly.
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but do not quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another?” (Romans 14:1-4)
You might be convinced the response to Covid19 is overblown, but how do you show love and care for your brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t share the same conclusion? You might be convinced we aren’t doing enough to curb the spread of Covid19, but how do you show love and care for your brothers and sisters in Christ who don’t share the same conclusion?
How do we keep from despising and passing judgement on the one who holds a different opinion than us? How do we continue to love those who have different opinions when it comes to tangential issues? It can only happen as the Spirit gives us humility and the supernatural ability to engage brothers and sisters in Christ with listening ears characterized by charity.
Paul continues his encouragement:
“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother...Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God.” (Romans 14:13, 20)
If I could paraphrase Paul given our current context, I might say, “Do not, for the sake of Covid 19, destroy the work of God.” In other words, don’t let a matter of Christian liberty and disagreement drive a wedge in Christian community and the unity of the Church.
Our church community and family is one centered on Jesus. He is the cornerstone of the Church; the one that we build our lives upon. We have freedom to hold (and even change) our opinions and convictions about Covid19 (along with many other issues), but the call to Christian charity and humility are unchangeable and nonnegotiable.
As we continue to engage and relate with one another—through virtual small groups, on social media, or in person—let us “love one another with brotherly affection and outdo one another in honor.” As we continue to pray for God’s healing and a return to normal, let’s pray that he will guard us against “despising and passing judgement on each other” over matters of Christian liberty. May the name of Jesus be lifted high and may the world know us by our humility and charity, especially with one another.