How to Love Others Well Despite Different Opinions on the COVID-19 Vaccinations
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Many of us have experienced what it is like to be told that we cannot be with others during the COVID isolation period. It posed challenges of learning to love others and connect with them in safe ways. Planning any kind of prom, shower, wedding, graduation, or funeral was a nightmare. Humanity longed and prayed for a day when we could be together again in our churches, schools, and communities. Now as everything is opening back up, there is a new divide that is not a virus, but a vaccine. I am not going to tell you what to decide, but I want to encourage you how to love well when there are many different opinions on the COVID-19 vaccine.
Have healthy conversations with others and try to gain understanding. Whether you are on the same page or not, you can still find ways to bless them. You could send letters or sit outside distanced from a more cautious friend. You can send game tickets and visit the home of a more sociable friend. Try to connect with others regardless of their level of ease.
This has been a traumatic season for many people. There is not a one size fit all as we re-enter society. If you need more time to ease into larger groups or spaces, that is ok. If you are depressed over the lack of community and ready to jump into large group settings, that is great too. Whatever you decide, make sure you are asking yourself questions about why you feel the way that you do. How are you trusting God? How can you bless others through your personal experience?
It is easy to compare during this “re-entry” period, but instead I want to encourage you to be the healthiest you that you can be. We are all different and have different needs. I hope and pray that everything will be back to the old normal, but I am realistic that this will take time. Always remember that the Lord gives grace upon grace.
During the gray in-between, remember that everything is not black and white about vaccination decisions. Let us do our best not to judge others. Let us pray that the Lord will lead each person in their decisions. May we respect one another in the unknown and newness. In the meantime, we can pray for wisdom, listen to a variety of voices, have healthy conversations, give ourselves grace and create personal boundaries.
Whether you have had the gift of a vaccination or for some reason have opted out, you are loved and I pray that Christ will lead each of our journeys in this crazy time. As the global church, may we not allow this issue to divide us from the greater purpose of sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.
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