The Golden Rule for Reopening after COVID-19

Golden Rule of LoveThe Golden Rule: Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.
Matt 7:12 (NLT)

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, we were “all in this together”, sacrificing personal freedoms and conveniences in order to curb the spread of COVID-19. We understood the need to deny ourselves for the sake of others. We were beautifully selfless.

Together we denied ourselves, took up our crosses, and practiced self-giving love (Mark 8:34).

Our tentative steps forward are less united. Some of us remain fearful and feel safer at home, perhaps because we are, or are living with, someone at risk. Some are comfortable moving toward ‘normal’, confident in masks and social distancing. Others resist any restriction. Opinions differ. Comfort levels differ.

Love means respecting and even honoring our differences.

Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification Paul instructs the Romans, abstain from a behavior if it will offend the person you’re with (Romans 14:19). In other words, honor the other person even if you disagree, even if you know better. For the Romans it meant not eating meat. In our present situation it means wear a mask when it makes the person you’re with more comfortable. Guard their safety. Honor their wishes even if you disagree.

The Golden Rule asks us to step into another’s shoes and exhibit the kind of love we’d want to receive. God’s guidance for reopening after COVID is clearly rooted in love.

Bear with one another… and above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:13-14 (NRSV)

By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:35 (NRSV)

Are you curious about why Christians claim that self-denial is the way to true life? Read about Losing One Life to Gain a Better One or Giving Control to Jesus.

#SeedsofScripture #Covid19 #knowusbyourlove #safeathome #GoldenRule #allinthistogether #dountoothers

5 Comments

  1. J.D. Wininger on May 21, 2020 at 7:13 AM

    Well said Ms. Cathy. I may not agree with some folks who are, in my opinion,
    more fearful than faithful”, but as you point out, we MUST be gentle in spirit and allow them to feel what they feel. Because someone disagrees with us doesn’t mean they’re wrong and must be ostracized, discounted, or dismissed. It simply means their worldview is different from ours. As a farmer and rancher who has a 50-mile roundtrip drive to get a drug store or Wal-Mart, my perspective (worldview) is very different from someone who lives in a major metropolitan area. Especially with social media, where folks have a sense of anonymity, folks can be pretty mean (sometimes even if they don’t mean to). There, folks may not know the experiences we’ve had that form our worldview, so assumptions are made; often wrong ones. 🙂 Great post ma’am! God’s blessings.

  2. Jeannie Waters on May 23, 2020 at 8:11 PM

    Cathy, thank you for offering guidance from the Bible for decision making. I appreciate this statement: “ The Golden Rule asks us to step into another’s shoes and exhibit the kind of love we’d want to receive. God’s guidance for reopening after COVID is clearly rooted in love.”

    • CathyChung on May 25, 2020 at 9:49 PM

      I think we’re going to have to work at hard at applying this Golden Rule. We need to appreciate the view from the other person’s perspective – their fear, their financial situation, their comfort level. Love sums it up.

  3. Josie on May 23, 2020 at 8:55 PM

    Very good reminders, thank you! Loving others well means being kind and gentle even when we disagree. It’s hard to do, but so needed!

    • CathyChung on May 25, 2020 at 9:47 PM

      So must can be summarized in love. Love is a willful action, not a feeling. As CS Lewis says – When you behave as if you love someone, you will come to love them.

Leave a Comment





Spend a few minutes to plant a quick Seed. Or stay longer and plant a whole garden.

Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts.  If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.
Each post is a brief scriptural thought that will grow as you let it take root in your thoughts. If you have time, dig into one area of interest and plant a whole garden.

Receive Seeds of Scripture by email.

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again.

Archives