I have people in my life who yammer and complain about having to wear masks, and do their best not to. I also have others who are severely critical about those who do not wear masks. Since I have read articles by experts with opposing views on the matter, I won't even try to judge what the truth is. I do admit that I shake my head when I see someone driving all alone in a car and wearing a mask. Somewhat over the top.
But what should concern us, as children of the Father and sisters and brothers of the Son, members of His family, is how we treat each other.
When Jesus was teaching near the end of His life, He said this, "...as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me....as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me" (Matthew 25:40;45).
When Saul of Tarsus was arrested by Jesus on his way to Damascus, he heard these words, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5). When Paul persecuted the Christians, Jesus took it personally. How we treat His other children matters to Him.
It is so easy to look down on others who are not quite as bright, or accomplished, or educated, or clean, or well-spoken, or charismatic, or holy, or whatever. I read Philippians 2:3 one day, "in humility let each esteem the other better than himself", and I literally said, "Lord, You honestly want me to esteem So-and-so (and I named a foolish lady in my sphere) as better than myself?" The answer is yes.
So, let's chill. No need to get all twisted into knots because somebody doesn't measure up to what you believe he or she should, or follow rules as you think they should, or follow rules too rigidly in your opinion, or whatever your issue is. You do what you believe is right and "pursue peace with all" (Hebrews 12:14). Remember Matthew 7:1-5: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged. And with the measure you use, it will be measured again for you. And why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank that is in your own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, 'Let me pull the speck out of your eye,' when a log is in your eye? You hypocrite! (Note: 'gentle Jesus meek and mild' wasn't always exactly an apt description of Him.) First take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
"Love your neighbour as yourself" was next to "love the Lord your God" in Jesus' short list of top commandments. I know we have to rely on His love which is in us to be able to do that, but one of the things we can start with is dropping this whole indignation thing about masks. Let it go. Allow God's love and peace and grace and favour to envelop you, and you'll be able to spill that over on those around you.
