Give your opinion on mask-wearing, and the tensions will run high. Now that many businesses are beginning to require masks for entry, shoppers may not have a choice whether they cover their face or not. But put those same people in a different context—one in which they aren’t required to wear a mask and can do as they please—and you can assume that at least 90% of the people in that room are judging those with habits unlike their own.

Are Masks/No Masks the Most Important Thing?

The Holy Spirit regularly convicts me with the words of 1 Corinthians 13, so I’m taking the liberty to apply several verses to the current situation of mask-wearing (or non-mask-wearing, as the case may be).

If I have wise, well-thought-through reasons for wearing a mask,
but cultivate negative attitudes toward unmasked people,
I am nothing.

If I have intelligent, research-backed reasons for not wearing a mask,
but unlovingly belittle those who do,
I am nothing.

Love is patient.
It does not react with impatience when others don’t come to the same conclusions as they currently have.

Love is kind.
It expresses kind words and actions toward the masked and the unmasked; toward those who agree with their political viewpoints and those who disagree.

Love is not arrogant. 
It doesn’t assume they are right and everyone else is wrong. Love doesn’t look down on others.

Love does not insist on its own way.
Love doesn’t try to force its “mask convictions” on others.

Love is not irritable.
They don’t become either excited or exasperated when they hear someone else’s opinions on the coronavirus situation. They are able to recognize the importance of the issue as well as the greater importance of the person with whom they are talking (or typing).

Love is not resentful.
It doesn’t hold a grudge against someone who disagrees with them.

Love believes all things.
Love does not assume wrong motives about others. Actually, it assumes right motives about them.

What’s more important than masks?
Love.

God has called believers to do all things in love, but we cannot do it on our own. We need God to work in our hearts, changing us to love others like he perfectly loves us. So whether you eat or drink, whether you wear a mask or not, whether you vote one way or another, do it all in love for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Christian, can I encourage you to prayerfully think through a few questions?

• • How are you letting the love of God shine through you during these coronavirus days?
  • What is your tone on social media and during in-person conversations? Is it marked by love?
  • Consider the characteristics of love as seen in 1 Corinthians 13. How do you need to repent? Pick one attribute of love and ask God to make it evident in your life this week.