Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the 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.

August 21 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Scott Broberg Supporter 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.

August 26 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Emo Tenorio Supporter Shomer

I humbly submit an opinion on this matter for your consideration a quick or studied reading of (Psalms 91) the ALMIGHTY provides for THOSE WHO DWELL in HIS shadow SHELTER and REST.

I am NOT saying that voluntary mask wearing is wrong or displays any lack of faith; as a free born citizen that choice is between you and your God. As any allotted stage time on this little sphere is totally in HIS hands.

What I am saying is that STATE MANDATED mask wearing FORCES everyone onto a diabolical secular pathway. (2 Timothy 1:7)

BOTTOM LINE: 

Consider that in the U.S. every day approximately 8,000 people normally die. 5.2 million or 1.6% of the U.S. population of 330 million people have tested positive for the Corona virus. Unreported is that well over 90% of those who have tested positive recover without medicines designed to treat or a vaccine designed to prevent the virus.

Over 166,000 have died with their deaths being attributed to the virus, but there have been numerous reports that many, possibly even most, of these deaths have been with “COMORBIDITIES” that could well have been the primary cause. Age could also have been the main factor in many of the deaths, worldwide some countries are now reporting that two-thirds of their deceased were over 70 and many over 80.

Unknown by many is a simple fact that there is NO SCIENTIFIC DATA to support the dubious assertions for mask wearing, considering viruses are at least a hundred times smaller than the bacterial filtering protection generally provided. And when anyone tries to educate a fearful general public including even doctors they are silenced for heretical speak.

A lack of knowledge sets up any people to be exploited by their own leftists governmental officials. Relative to a pathogen, it also sets them up to become disease transport agents via a mandated FOMITE: the MAGIC FACE MASK. For those not familiar with the term "FOMITE," it's a non-biological object contaminated with a pathogen, making the article a source for spreading the pathogen. And this viral panic has made it evident that most people have no understanding of virus life cycles or how they propagate. From this lack of knowledge grows the FEAR of an UNKNOWN which leads many people to take IRRATIONAL actions that will in fact spread what they FEAR a pathogen. (Galatians 4:16)

"The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress." ~Frederick A. Douglass

In The Lord's Freedom and protection........warrior on

August 24 2020 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jason Hein Supporter

Facemasks, scientifically, do NOT help against a virus. That much is (or should be) common knowledge. Even medical masks say so right on the box, and anyone who works in the medical field knows this.

Also, coronavirus has in many cases a 99.3% cure rate, while the common flu kills far more people. In fact, in the time this virus has been around, twice as many children have died of the flu than have died from coronavirus and it's NOT EVEN flue season! 

Given the fact that the bible talks against tyranny and against people blindly following, a facemask MANDATE is non-biblical. It also tells us to research things, and know the truth.

In my opinion, the truth is that the American people are being oppressed and that the political giants of today are using this virus for their own evil goals. We, therefore, by wearing a mask (compliance) are enabling them. Which would also be un-biblical, to enable/help them to carry out evil plans.

There is soooo much wrong with what is going on today, on so many levels. People REALLY need to wake up and seek the truth behind it all.

August 28 2020 • 3 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Grant Abbott Supporter Child of Father, Follower of Son, Student of Spirit

I think the opposite is true. When we wear a face mask we are demonstrating our faith, by loving God and loving other people, which brings honour and glory to God. We love God by obeying the human authorities that He has sovereignly instituted for our benefit. We love other people by caring for their health and welfare, helping them feel safe and less anxious.

In my view, anytime we place our civil rights and freedoms above our responsibility to obey God, we are guilty of sin. As Christians let’s take off our “know it all” hats and put on our “servant of God” hats. That will certainly please God our Saviour.

August 28 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Laurie White Supporter

I appreciate these insights, and in full disclosure, I definitely lean more to the view that mask wearing is more harmful than good when viewing the physical & medical aspects, as well as from a relational/community and Biblical/spiritual viewpoint. Physically/medically speaking, God, Who is our Glorious Creator, has designed our bodies in His perfect way to fight off all things that are harmful, manmade or otherwise, and also gives our bodies the ability to recover if we do happen to fall under some type of harm. Masks are man’s feeble attempt to “protect.” With all the different varieties made available & no regulation in the mask market, in most cases than not, they are simply another entrepreneurial venture. 

Therefore, from the relational/spiritual aspect, I would not say that I am “loving my neighbor” any more by wearing a mask. I believe that being an example of living faith & trust in God rather than in fear is an infinitely better way of loving my neighbor. This virus is certainly not a death sentence, and I am not living in any fear of being infected by it, but rather prayerfully relying on God’s protection, provision, and perfect will, which have brought me this far. 

Ultimately, ALL things are in His hands. “For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honor forever! Amen.” Romans 11:36 AMP 

What is most scary to me about this virus is the political control that is driving it. Since there is no substantial proof that mask wearing is truly effective, and there is no regulation for public use (except for by staff in a hospital setting), we should not be mandated to wear them, and continue to practice things to prevent germ spreading that ARE proven effective (consistently hand washing, disinfecting, keeping a healthy distance). 

These are things we should have been doing long before COVID 19 was in existence. We should never be controlled or mandated to do something from anyone or anything other than God Our Father. The fact that we are being forced to and/or willingly giving up any freedom that is ours in this free country should be a red flag that things are not right. 

We are commanded to love the Lord Our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (all of which come from Him), and to love our neighbor as ourself. Following these commands that sum up the whole law provides us all the protection we need in this troubling time. 

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might.” Ephesians 6:10 AMP

August 29 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jay Saunders Supporter

We wear a face mask to protect others not ourselves.The fear that is gripping some is not understandable for us that walk by faith not by sight.

Remember when Satan tempted the Lord to commit suicide by casting himself over the cliff.

Jesus said thou shall not tempt the Lord they God.

August 30 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Kaye Dean Supporter

In response to whether wearing a mask shows lack of faith, I will say this: My husband and I have been firm believers of wearing a mask during this pandemic. We both have strong faith in God, and did not necessarily worry that we would get the virus, but we believed in protecting others just in case. 

Recently, my husband and I both suffered from the effects of Covid-19, and I do not wish anyone to go through what our bodies have been through. We are pretty healthy individuals in our early 50's, and although we wore masks and did our social distancing when possible, we both still got the virus. We are out of isolation as of today, and we still don't know how we got the virus, but I will say that whenever we go to the grocery store or any other public place, there are so many around who are not wearing their masks, and I'm sure that one of those people who did not wear a mask, may have thought they were fine, but indeed were not. I would not want the responsibility of knowing that I could have prevented someone else from getting sick by simply wearing a mask and chose not to.

I believe that wearing a mask shows love for your brothers and sisters, which is indeed one of the greatest commandments that God instructed us to do. Love others as you love yourself. I loved myself enough to wear a mask, but others chose not to- and in turn, my husband and I contracted the virus from someone who may or may not have been aware that they had Covid-19.

My husband and I questioned whether it was biblical to wear a mask in the beginning, but now that we have both been on the receiving end of Covid-19, we now believe that as a believer of Christ, it is our duty to help protect those around us, and by continuing to wear our masks, we are helping to do that. We have to remember that whatever happens on this earth, God has the final say-so! God ALLOWED Covid-19 to be present on this earth for a reason, and ONLY God has the power to take it away. We didn't think that we would have gotten Covid-19, but we did, and it spread throughout my family before we even knew we had it. So, out of love for you or anyone else that I may come in contact with, we will wear our masks!

Some of the symptoms from this virus continue to linger; and though the health department says we should be fine to go out in public, the truth is that no one really knows! We may be feeling fine now, but even if there is the slightest chance that I could still infect someone else, I'm still going to protect that unknown person. A lot of times we ask how can we help, or what can I do for you, or how can I make a difference? Wearing a mask is one of the easiest ways you can protect and help a great number of people- including yourself.

I trust God no matter what I may go through, but I also do not take His love, His kindness, His grace and HIs mercy for granted. When you have gone through and continue to go through what my husband and I and the other members of my family have as a result of this virus, I am more inclined to wear my mask as a gesture of love to my fellow brothers and sisters, and put my faith in God that because I chose to wear a mask, He will protect whoever I come in contact with. In Jesus' name, God bless all of you!

September 25 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Sean McRae Supporter

Because it is a proven fact that airborne viruses are too small to be filtered by most masks, wearing a mask does not help the wearer. Masks are worn to protect others from the larger droplets that might be carrying the virus after a cough or sneeze by a possibly asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic carrier. Therefore, in its actual protection ability, wearing a mask does not demonstrate a lack of faith, but is a way of loving your neighbor.

August 29 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Dave Greenwood Supporter

Nowhere does Jesus say ‘Go out and do harm to those who are weak of spirit, health or those who have less than you in his name.’ If you are going out in public, refusing to wear a mask for a legit reason, but saying God will protect you, you are doing exactly that: Willing harm to others in his name. COVID-19 is not as deadly as SARS or MERS. What Covid-19 is is highly contagious, meaning transmission rates are high. 

You may be an asymptomatic carrier and every time you exhale, sneeze, cough or even talk you are spreading saliva; saliva is where the virus lives and how it is transmitted. You could spread that to someone with a weak immune system, sending them to the hospital. The more you send to the hospital the more resources are strained. Hardware like ventilators are being used, beds filled and personnel like doctors and nurses are needed to care for them. Chances of survival is high; however all side effects are not known yet. So in the name of God you have sent someone to the hospital, you have caused them harm, and you have caused them to suffer. 

This is not what God, The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit have told you to do. Instead, care for those who are weak of spirit, health and have less then you. So if you think wearing a mask is an affront to God and your faith, I put to you that not wearing one is an affront to everything Jesus tried to teach us about caring for one another.

September 25 2020 • 2 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Billy P Eldred Supporter

God expects us to protect ourselves against contagious diseases. In the 13th Chapter of Leviticus, for example, the entire chapter (40 verses) deals with placing an infected person in isolation and only allowing them back after the disease has cleared up. There are other examples. 

To me, however, there is a bigger reason for us as Christians to wear mask. Matthew 25: 41 says “I tell you the truth. Whatever you did for of the least of these Brothers of mine, you did for me” and Matthew 25: 45 says “whatever you did not do for the least of these, you DID NOT DO FOR ME!” (Emphasis mine)

There are people out there who are scared. And though I already had the virus am I am immune at least for the next few months and can’t infect someone else and even though I don’t like wearing the masks, I still put one on whenever I am around others because the small amount of discomfort I feel is such a small price to pay to lessen someone else’s fear! I do this Because JESUS asked me to in Matthew 35!

September 25 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Ocie Taylor Supporter

I just find it odd how so many Christians can chant law and order but at the same time REFUSE to follow a state mandate.

So are we in the business of picking and choosing which laws, orders, and mandates we want to follow?

The bible gives us many commands on how we are to submit to the authority over us unless that authority tells us to do something that goes against the Word of God but we seem to cast aside those that are inconvenient and ridiculously liken wearing a mask to that of TYRANNY (laughable).

American Christians have NO CLUE what true tyranny is.

If this whole pandemic has proved anything, it's proved just how self-absorbed and self-centered we can really be. Even Christians.

If a mask will even "possibly" protect me or someone else, then I see no problem with wearing one and I definitely don't see that as any form of tyranny or governmental suppression of my constitutional rights or civil liberties. 

I mean it's not like we're being loaded on trains and sent off to concentration camps or anything like that. 

Just asked to wear a mask.

September 25 2020 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Michele Reeves 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.

September 26 2020 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter ABC/DTS graduate, guitar music ministry Baptist church

Wow...people’s lungs after having COVID are worse then the worst smoker's lungs!...as far as damage to the lungs goes....

So, no, wearing a face mask DOES NOT display trust in God. It is just common sense to wear a mask! He has written this law into the universe. 

I am in the process of memorizing Psalm 78. There are clear admonitions that we are not to take it upon ourselves to test God in ways He has not directly advised. In fact, the phrase, “Do not test the Lord” is a common refrain. In the great critique of the sins of Israel in Psalm 78 the phrase, “they put God to the test” is mentioned not once, not twice, but three times. (Psalm 78:18, 41, 56). In the New International Version, Asaph says, "They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.” (Ps 78:18)

"Again and again they put God to the test;
they vexed the Holy One of Israel." Ps 78:41

Psalm 78:56:
"But they put God to the test
and rebelled against the Most High;
they did not keep his statutes."

I am a person of passionate faith. I have not once “feared” COVID-19, nor stayed awake at night trembling with anxiety. But I also wear a mask and practice social-distancing.

Purposefully choosing to avoid such things—such as using a car seat for your child—is not putting faith over fear. It would be putting foolishness over wisdom. And to do any such thing in the name of God?

You are then doing the one thing He has said you must never do, which is to test Him. See James White's article online: 

https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/dr-james-emery-white/faith-over-fear-masks-covid.html

Now my unmasked daughter and her baby (unmasked, of course) caught Covid. Please pray for her and my grandson. Thanks.

January 15 2021 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report