The world, our country, states, governors, politicians, medical experts, news outlets, and social media are all divided over how to righty respond to COVID-19. Some people believe that the COVID-19 response from the world has been a massive overreach, while others might think that it was not nearly strict enough. Some think we should get back to life as usual ASAP, while others would prefer to keep stringent measures of isolation in place for the foreseeable future.
One thing seems to be for sure, everyone seems to have an opinion on the matter. Now it is one thing to watch the politicians and medical experts aggressively fighting each other about how we should all be responding to COVID-19, but what will you do to avoid the fighting from flowing into your church? Will tempers flare? Will friendships be lost. Will your church divide?
COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, and the world on its way to recovery; however, the damage done to the unity of your church could last much longer. How could this be? I mean, after all, as Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ. We have the same salvation, same Savior, the same indwelling of the Holy Spirit, etc. As Christians, we are even commanded by God to be patient, peaceful, and understanding people, who strive to live at peace with one another. However, sometimes, even Christians are caught off guard by controversies and how to handle them correctly.
While much more could be said, hopefully, these practical steps will help you to keep peace within your church.
1. Close your mouth.
Just because you disagree with a comment, does not mean that it is necessary to voice your disagreement, especially if you know that there is a high likelihood of an argument erupting.
23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:23)
2. Love others even if it hurts.
Loving others sometimes means that it can even be a bit painful. Paul talks about a love that “bears” and “endures.” Bearing with and enduring someone implies that it is a difficult task. However, you continue to do so because you love them.
7Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7)
3. Be a peacekeeper.
Before every conflict, one has the option of choosing war or peace. As believers, we should strive for peace and comfort each other during these unusual times.
11Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
4. Honor one another, even if you disagree.
Is what you are about to say going to honor your brother or sister in Christ?
10Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10)
5. Be a good listener.
Good listeners are difficult to find in an argument. Usually, each person only wants to express his or her opinion. However, just listening to someone is often one of the best ways to avoid tempers from flaring.
19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. (James 1:19-20)
6. You don’t have to talk about COVID.
Just because others are talking about the latest findings, quarantines, vaccines, etc. it does not mean that you are required to jump into the conversation. In fact, it may be best to avoid it altogether or to change the subject. See my blog, Speak CHRIST, not COVID.
19When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent. (Proverbs 10:19)
7. Strive to keep harmony.
Children of God should not be fighting like those who are of the world. We should go over and beyond in trying to keep our relationships with other Christians harmonious, and in doing so, we individually and corporately become better worshippers of God.
5May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)
8. Be quick to forgive.
Yes, someone is going to offend you at church. What should you do? Get mad? Gossip? Stop talking to them? No, you are to forgive them. Remember, Christ forgave you, and as a Christian, you should be reflecting the forgiveness that you have received to those who offend you as well.
21“Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22)
9. Be kind.
Just because you disagree with someone does not mean that you have to get angry about it. Even if someone’s logic is skewed or even incorrect about COVID, it is no excuse to be mean.
32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
10. Don’t let your anger grow.
There is almost a 100% chance that someone in your church is going to make you mad about what he or she said about COVID issues, but don’t let your anger continue to build.
26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil. (Ephesians 4:26-27)
As your local congregation begins to come back together, do all that you can do to keep the unity of peace that is found in Jesus Christ. Remember, who you are and how God has called you to live. Love God and love His children.
Dr. Trey Talley, Lead Pastor and Elder