by Lydia Floren
Masking continues to be a hot topic amid the COVID crisis. Are we to mask or not to mask? People hold strong opinions on both sides. Some people feel like everyone should mask all the time. Others contend that the COVID crisis has been overblown, and that masking isn’t necessary. Each side is quick to judge the other. Lingering hurt and anger can morph into an attitude of smoldering resentment. So how do we prevent resentment from developing? And how do we maintain a good attitude? Maybe “to mask or not to mask is not the right question. Maybe we should be asking “how should we treat each other?”
How resentment starts
An attitude of resentment can have an innocent beginning. It is perfectly proper, for example, to have an opinion (hopefully informed) about something, and to act on it. But we get into trouble when we start “shoulding” on each other, expecting others to do what we think they should. We can become righteously indignant when they don’t fall into line. Over time, we can develop an attitude of ongoing resentment.
For example, those that mask can resent those that don’t, feeling like they are putting everyone’s health at risk. Those that don’t mask may take offense at mandates requiring them to cover their face, feeling like their freedoms are being encroached upon. Some feel that there are not enough restrictions in place, and resent others’ resistance to more. Others resent government interference, believing that the whole problem has been overblown, or that the these sweeping decisions are based on false information.
And whatever we believe about masking, how do we avoid falling into the pit of seething resentment toward someone who thinks and acts differently?
To mask or not to mask is not the right question.
Well I decided to see what the Bible said about masking. It turns out that the word “mask” is only mentioned a few times in the Bible, mostly related to hypocrisy, such as in 1 Thess. 2:5, Luke 20:47. I know this may come as a surprise to you, but nowhere does the Bible talk about whether or not you should cover your face in public to prevent illness. So the Bible doesn’t directly answer the question “to mask or not to mask?” But it does answer a more important question, one that is intimately entwined in the masking controversy: How are we supposed to treat each other?
How are we supposed to treat each other?
Jesus said “love your neighbor as yourself.” And Paul said in 1 Cor 14:1 “follow the way of love.” How do we love each other where the masking issue is concerned? What is the way of love? Here’s what the Bible says:
- be encouraging. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Romans 14:19 NASB
- be considerate. In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you. Matthew 7:12 NASB
- have an humble attitude. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; Romans 12:10 NASB
- treat others with respect. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. Romans 12:17 NASB
- Promote peace. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18 NASB
- Love. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NASB
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. 1 Cor 13:4-8
The Bible may not give us specific insight about whether we should be masking or not, but it gives excellent advice about how to treat our fellow human beings–whether they agree with our point of view or not. We are called to love them. To follow the way of love.
Don’t worry.
Don’t worry. God will take care of you and those you love. Just do what you think is best, humbly share your opinions (when asked), and respect others’ right to do the same. When you spot smoldering resentment within yourself, stamp it out, so that it doesn’t flare up and destroy your relationships.
Whatever you decide about masking or not masking, always remember the most important question: Do you have a loving attitude towards all of the people around you?
Have you felt anger or resentment towards others who approach the masking issue differently that you do?
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