Pass the Grace, Please

“We can never judge the lives of others, because each person knows only their own pain and renunciation. 

It’s one thing to feel that you are on the right path, but it’s another to think that yours is the only path.”   Paul Coelho

  In early April, William Zordani and his large family took their Golden Retriever, Sunshine, for a walk near their home in their leafy suburb north of Chicago, they waited out the coronavirus shutdown. That evening, a woman who lives a few blocks away posted a photo of Mr. Zordani, his mother and five of his six siblings on their walk to the town’s Facebook news site, lambasting them for ignoring social-distancing rules and endangering the community.

  “Why are people so stupid,” one commenter wrote in the screed that followed. Another chimed in: “Where are parents?” A third indicated she had forwarded the photo to the mayor. The shunning and shaming of Mr. Zordani and his family is happening across the country, but it is felt most acutely in smaller cities and towns where anonymity is rare and people still hope to avoid the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. These virus vigilantes reflect the social strains on communities as the shutdown isolates neighbors and raises suspicion and fear.

  Two noxious social weeds have gone viral in the midst of our pandemic. They’re polar opposite overreactions: Corona-shaming and Corona-rage. It’s very ironic that in a culture whose watchword is “tolerance,” has now become so intolerant and judgmental. Over the top accusations like, “you’re killing grandma” or “you’re killing small businesses,” do little more than add more fuel to already inflamed emotions. Add to that, since many of us surround ourselves with those who agree with our worldview because we’ve not learned the value of dissonance, there is little dialogue and critical thinking, just lots of out of control feelings.  

  The Bible is clear on moral absolutes: stealing, lying, adultery, etc. Those are wrong, always have been wrong, and always will be wrong. Yet, how to morally respond to a Pandemic is, in spite of what many say (or post,) very unclear. It’s unchartered territory for us individually, for our communities and for our governments. It seems to me that one’s response is primarily colored by their emotional temperament and political persuasion. Not exactly a sound basis for evaluating the decisions and choices of others. 

  For believers, who are to be Spirit-controlled and who’s plumb-line must be God’s Word, it’s a time to demonstrate the grace that we’ve been given by God to others, particularly for those who differ in their approach to this global crisis. Corona-shaming and Corona-rage, are wrong and for the most part, outcomes of fear, anger, and pride.  

  Fear. God does not want us to live in fear. Some, though, may have reason to be more cautious. Perhaps, they have a compromised immune system or have constant contact with someone who does. Others feel pressure to work because of their financial situation. The terms “essential” and “non-essential” are not good designations for a healthy future of our society. God created work, all kinds, and types of work. Work gives us purpose and meaning.

  Fear can result in judgementalism of the person purchasing gardening supplies, but that gardener may be struggling with emotional issues or some addiction. It’s their attempt to keep themselves in a healthy place.

  Anger. It’s always dangerous to question motives. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” I appreciate and admire anyone who serves in a public office, even those I disagree with. The constant barrage of vitriol, whatever their political position, they must endure is tragic. Should we open sooner, as some have? Should we keep things closed down longer? Should we shut down like Italy? Should we open up like Sweden? Even the “experts” have limited information and continually contradict each other. If their decisions have positive results, they’ll be lauded as heroes. But if their decisions have dire consequences, they will be publicly shamed labeled failures by historians.

  As Christians, our biblically commanded responsibility is to first pray for them. Wonderfully, we are blessed in America where our voice and view can be heard. It needs to be done in a gracious and Christlike way with respect for the Imago Dei (made in the image of God). Jesus died for everyone, even governmental leaders that we disagree with.  

  Pride. The further our culture has drifted from a Judeo-Christian Worldview, the further we’ve drifted from any sense of humility and honesty. Wouldn’t it be refreshing to have a leader say, “I don’t know” or “I was wrong”? Personally, I find it a bit disingenuous to have commercials from celebrities sitting in mega-mansions scolding the general public to “stay in and save lives.” Most of them have no expertise or education in this but are only being shoved into the spotlight because they’re famous.  

  Then, it seems insensitive and even arrogant to me, for those who can work from home or are financially independent, to scold those on more limited means or who don’t have that option. It was crass when one elected official scolded his constituents to “go out and get an essential job!”

  Would we be so condescending if our garbage wasn’t being picked up, the grocery stores closed and all those in some type of trucking or delivery was considered “non-essential”? That’s not to mention farmers and others who are part of the food chain that we usually take for granted, including migrant workers picking crops.

  Some foolishly suggest that we must trust the “science,” yet there’s little agreement among scientists or medical professionals about Covid19. As this is all new, it’s brimming with hypothesis and theory. The continually changing trajectories and estimates are evidence of that.

  While a world that doesn’t know the Almighty God may surrender to fear, anger and pride, those are not options for Christ-followers. While we’re not to be passive or foolish, we, as the people of grace, are to be known for graciousness! Many of us feel trapped and have pent up emotional energy and passion. Stress comes with that and often results in unhealthy outbursts or social media posts.

  Yet, God has promised to give us peace and wisdom. Let’s pray for insights and opportunities to use this difficult time to show kindness, thoughtfulness, and graciousness to all. May we be an example of who Jesus is. And when this all ends (and it will), may those around us say of us, “when everyone was losing their heads, they never lost their heart for God and for others.” #ThisisOURtime!  

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