Does Wearing A Face Mask Displace Trust In God?

The Covid pandemic has wreaked havoc on millions of lives in the last year and a half. With global cases soaring to over 220 million and a worldwide death toll of over 4.5 million, it’s no wonder people are scared, frustrated, and confused. Every time we turn on the news, it seems there’s new information and a new crisis to endure.

One of the hottest topics during the pandemic has been face masks. Unfortunately, face masks became politicized early on in 2020, which has led to a lot of misinformation and distrust. If you’re wondering what your place as a Christian is in all of this, you’re not alone! There are lots of people asking the same question and seeking answers from a Biblical standpoint.

On eBible.com, Christians can read and study the Bible with helpful tools and recourses. They can also ask and answer questions in the community and start healthy discussions. One question that has popped up over and over is how Christians should react to wearing a face mask. Is wearing a face mask a sign of not trusting God? Let’s see what the members of eBible had to say!

Tim Maas, Retired Specialest U.S. Army

I would say that NOT taking adequate precautions (including the wearing of a face mask) under the current conditions would not be an exhibition of faith, but would in fact be putting God to the test.

In my opinion, this would be similar to individuals who refuse to consult doctors or other medical professionals in the belief that God will heal them (which I believe has been spoken of negatively in other discussions on ebible.com).

It is ultimately God who makes advances in medical knowledge and treatment possible. To me, this is adequately validated in the Bible by the fact that Luke was a physician, and by Jesus’ reference in Luke’s gospel to the fact that those who are well do not need a physician, but those who are sick (Luke 5:31). (Although Jesus made this comment in connection with spiritual well-being, it is equally applicable to physical health.)

Life is a gift from God to each of us. It is the responsibility of Christians to care for their health, lives, and bodies, especially so that it will increase the length of time that they can use to witness to others and bring them to saving faith.

Scott Broberg, Fig Tree Ministries

One thing to remember is that the face mask is there just as much for you (protecting you from others) as it is protecting others from you. If you had COVID but were asymptomatic and thought you were fine and didn’t need to wear a mask, you now put the lives of others at risk.

There is a commandment in Leviticus that applies in Lev 19:16. The second half can be read in two different ways:

“Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.” (NIV) – or –

“Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the LORD. (NLT)

Basically, we must take some level of responsibility for the lives of others. When everyone in the community is looking out for and taking responsibility for those around us, we flourish. Wearing a mask is a small gesture compared to the spiritually diminishing weight of regret or guilt that you caused someone else harm.

A second scripture reference:

The book of Genesis begins with Cain asking God the question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Gen 4:9) The book of Genesis ends with Joseph answering the question through his actions: Yes! And because Joseph decided to forgive his brothers instead of wielding the power he rightly had, a dysfunctional family of twelve brothers turned into a nation.

Don’t underestimate the power of taking some responsibility for the lives of others.

Michele Reeves, eBible Supporter

This is an interesting question. It can and has been answered in different ways. I believe wearing a mask is personal between God, you and your doctor. I don’t believe God wants us divided by this issue. God says in Matthew 7:1-2 “Don’t judge others lest you be judged. For in the same way you judge, you will be judged and with the same measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I also believe we are told lies by this world, we need to discern the truth. Jesus says in John 8:31 “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” So listen to how God is leading you. Don’t judge others because they are wearing a mask thinking the don’t trust God, in turn don’t judge those who aren’t that they don’t love enough. You don’t know their motives or their heart.

View the original question here!