I'm not sure how face masks became a controversial, contentious issue, but going by my Facebook feed, they are. I'm surprised at the level of rancor directed at the issue of whether or not to wear one, from both pro and con sides. And yes, there are rational voices also. I suppose the debate between allowing personal freedom and making boundaries for safety/care for life is ongoing and a passionate one in our culture.For my part, I have to think about this as a Christian - what Biblical principles may apply here and where does that leave us?
First, the second greatest commandment calls us to love our neighbor. Our neighbor is everyone around us. And how do we love them? We put the needs of others first (Philippians 2:3-4). We sacrifice for them even as Jesus sacrificed his life to save us, his people, from our sins. So, I can't give much weight to a mask being uncomfortable or difficult in some way. It is the loving thing to do to wear them to protect others from harm.
Second, we are called to submit to rightful authority over us (Romans 13:1). In our state, we are now essentially mandated to use them in public. Even before that, they were recommended and some businesses already required them. The only claim we can make to not obey an authority over us is when they require us to sin. I'm going to assume no one is seriously arguing that wearing a mask to prevent the spread of disease is sin.
Finally, I won't offer thoughts on whether or not they are effective against COVID-19. My expertise is not medical. However, those in public health are strongly recommending them. I don't have a Biblical case for their effectiveness, but that's hardly the purpose of the Bible. It seems wise to trust the public health and medical community in their area of expertise, particularly when there is a logical case to be made as it is a physical barrier.
So, brothers and sisters in Christ, let me encourage you to love and submit well by wearing a mask.
