Working from home, Zoom church, masks, hand sanitizer, toilet paper—words that begin to define the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has changed our world, it has changed our normal, and it has changed who we are. It has been mentally and socially challenging for many people. As we progress toward fewer regulations, how do we create an environment that respects people’s comfort levels? How do we love our neighbour when our neighbour has changed?
When the pandemic first hit, there was a movement that encouraged individuals to use this time to better themselves. For some, this may be the case—people may have experienced new growth in their friendships, in their careers, personally, and in other areas of their lives. For others, the pandemic wasn’t full of new opportunities, instead the order of the day was survival—survive Zoom school, navigate work in between toddler tantrums, ache to see loved ones—this time has led to heightened anxieties, financial insecurities, loss, and more. Not one of us is the same person we were before COVID-19 uprooted our lives.
We need to be intentional to extend grace to those around us. Each of us has been impacted by COVID-19—we have all been impacted by social distancing and restrictions, but not all of us have been impacted by losing a loved one. You may be comfortable with inviting a close friend in for a small dinner party, but your friend may find that setting to be anxiety inducing. Rather than trying to convince them to come for dinner, suggest an activity that they are comfortable with—ask if they want to go for a walk, schedule an intentional phone call, or plan a dinner date over Zoom. There are creative ways to be together as we navigate the fractures that COVID-19 may have caused.
The same applies to our churches, as we are able to open our doors and our indoor capacity rises, we will have to be intentional as the Church to love our neighbours where they are. Some people may be eager to sit in a pew, while someone else may find that they prefer to continue worshipping from their home for now. It is important that our churches create an environment that accommodates their people as we ease into what is to come. Creating accommodations for our congregations is going to be a tangible way to show people that they are seen.
It is impossible to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on everyone, especially as we are still in the pandemic. People will take time to adjust. It won’t be the same for everyone. As we take steps forward, let’s extend grace, show respect, and be patient with one another.
This is an article from our Fall 2021 edition of Alliance Connection. We are excited to be releasing the print and digital versions of the whole magazine in the near future.