Day 150 "The Mask: Donning With Courtesy"

So much controversy surrounds the donning of a mask during this Coronavirus pandemic. Emotions

abound across the spectrum of different beliefs. Is the pandemic a hoax? Is it artificially contrived to manipulate us a people to give up our rights? Is there a one-world conspiracy taking place to position the power of many into the hands of a few? "If I have to don a mask, then you have to don one, too." "Don a mask to help those who are less able to care for themselves or who are vulnerable and susceptible to the virus." "I live in America, and no one is going to tell me what to do and take away my rights." "It's the right thing to do." It seems like the battle lines are being drawn and the divide which separates us from one another is deepening.

With so much uncertainty in abundance and truth shrouded by personal preferences, may I simply suggest a simply solution to guide our way until more understanding can be ascertained? The act of courtesy.

Not too long ago I came across Gary Chapman's book Love As a Way of Life: Seven Keys to Transforming Every Aspect of Your Life. One of the chapters was devoted to courtesy. A word not too common in my vocabulary, I found Chapman's ability to bring light to this word insightful and intuitive. First, he considers courtesy fundamental in one's understanding of love. The crux of courtesy is treating others as friends-that everyone we meet is worthy of being our friend. This is the opposite of discourteous which deems others unworthy as being our friends and quickens our minds and hearts to place our interest and desires ahead of others. Secondly, Chapman sees courtesy as the first step in building relationships. One can easily see that without it, the differences between people can easily deepen and widen. Courtesy helps to bridge gaps and divisiveness.

When it comes to being courteous, it is simply treating others as a friend, and not a foe. With friends, we tend to be kindhearted, compassionate, understanding, patient, caring, and loving. The apostle Paul brings this concept to fruition in the second chapter of Philippians:

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humilty consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:1-4

"Let no debt remain outstanding except the continuing debt to love one another,"

Romans 13:8

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

Donning a mask is one's individual choice and decision. But donning a mask out of courtesy is simply allowing love to manifest itself through our value for others and see them as friends. A good way to live out our lives even when faced with controversies.

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"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your

good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongues but with actions and

in truth." 1 John 3:18

"Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law."

Romans 13:10

May our lives reach a point in our spiritual journey and growth where our actions arise only

out of the consideration of love and nothing else.

In his love, see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)