The world is battling an outbreak of a new coronavirus called COVID-19, and scientists are telling us that all forms of proximity and physical contact can be channels of contagion and the spreading of this disease. The ideal goal in fighting a pandemic is to completely halt the spread. Mitigation through social distancing can be a critical first step. Our whole world is being encouraged to practice social distancing.
In a world suffering from a pandemic like Coronavirus, what does "social distancing” look like in a Christian context? Generally, Christians are a cheerful, affectionate people. The kiss of peace is an ancient traditional Christian greeting, which today is often experienced in a handshake or appropriate touch on the shoulder. Such greetings signify a wish and blessing that peace be with the recipient. In many of us there are no shortage of hugs, handshakes, holding hands in prayer or for support and care, as well as desires to meet to share and/or eat together in fellowship.
It presents a difficult task for us as Christians to refrain from touching or gathering in many large community social events! For a while, however, as responsible members of our community, this will be necessary as a prophylactic measure to protect each other, those around us, and our surroundings. At the same time, we don't have to completely give up our community life. There are creative ways available to us to continue to care and fellowship with each other sans-physical contact.
Following are some possibilities until such a time as things get better:
1. Greet each other by taking our hand to our heart (as the flag is greeted).
2. Use our phones to call or text more often in our interaction with others, temporarily limiting the number of personal face-to-face visits.
3. Temporarily limit the number of large group social dinners or gatherings. Buy food and send it home to people who may be in need.
4. Have online meetings to avoid the risks of travel and lesson the number of in-person group gatherings.
5. Strengthen our personal prayer life and be creative in fostering opportunities to pray together in groups by using such things as Skype, FaceTime, ZOOM, Hangout, etc.
6. Consider the possibility of enabling online worship services, especially for the most vulnerable (the chronologically gifted of our church families).
7. When meetings do occur, have hand sanitizer available. Wash hands and use sanitizing gel before, after, and maybe even during any personal contact or group meetings we may be a part of.
In times of uncertainty, people enter a panic zone that makes them irrational and completely neurotic. Resist the temptation to increase stress and anxiety in our conversations and on our social networks. Be instruments of blessing, promoting a message of faith, hope, and security in God's promises.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." (Psalm 46:1-2 NIV)
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