The news regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19) has monopolized the media over the last several weeks. The new normal involves restrictions on travel, cancellation of schools and events, recommendations on social distancing as well as hand-washing to name a few. Bound up in all of this upheaval is the possibility that fear will rule our response and actions. It need not. 

Fear stems from a feeling that there is a power opposed to God. And yet, if there is one theme that is repeated over and over in the Bible, it is that “…there is no power but of God.” Romans 13:2. Jesus also restates this fact in the Lord’s Prayer.

I understand that people are concerned about what is happening throughout the world right now. But any concern should translate into care for our families, our neighbors and our communities if we are able. It should not lead to self-isolation, hoarding or fear that the next person who coughs is infected with the virus. History and research show that communities that survive challenges are the ones who care for each other.

During Jesus’ time, lepers were outcast and feared. There was a universal dread that the condition was contagious. Yet Jesus walked among them, touched them and healed them. In doing so, he handled fear at the root level. We must do the same to the best that we can. Even if we are isolated or distanced physically, that need not result in mental isolation. We can care for each other no matter the distance.

Most importantly, there is a direct relationship between fear and disease. Dealing with COVID-19, we have the opportunity to examine and diagnose our own thoughts to determine how much fear may be present. How might it be driving our behavior? Starting from the premise mentioned above that God, who is described in the Bible as Truth, Life and Love, is the only power, we can claim dominion over fear. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:” I John 4:18.

As we learn to live with these new imposed rules of social behavior, we can see that they provide an opportunity to come closer together. Technology has been pulling us apart for a long time. Ironically, social media can now be used to help draw us closer and to communicate more effectively.

Rabbi Yosef Kanefsky of Los Angeles gave some good advice to his congregation and it is worth repeating. He said, “The very last thing that we need now is a mindset of mutual distancing. Every hand that we don’t shake must become a phone call that we make. Every embrace that we avoid must become a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Every inch and every foot that we physically place between ourselves and another must become a thought as to how we might help that other, should the need arise.”

He closed by saying, “Let’s stay safe. And let’s draw one another closer in a way that we’ve never done before.”

If we do these things, fear will wane and we will be stronger and more fulfilled individually and collectively.

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Charles Wellington is a member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, Massachusetts, and regularly meditates with the Great Plains Zen Center in Monroe.