If there ever was a time for Christians to strive for unity, now is that time. The coronavirus pandemic and the government’s response to it has raised many questions about how Christians and churches should respond. Christians will have different opinions based on biblical reasoning. During these unique times, we should remember Paul’s words to the Romans:
Romans 14:1–3 (ESV) — 1 As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.
Romans 14:5–7 (ESV) — 5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
Opinions informed by Scripture are good and right. Quarreling over opinions is not. Some issues are worth fighting for, dividing over, and even dying for. Other issues are worth our serious reflection, but not at the expense of unity. Wisdom and humility are what we all need.