Because I live in an area where there are people upset about the loss of church services during Easter, and because I see some foolish government officials who are trying to subvert quarantine to make excuses for church services, a thread from one Christian to others:

First, let me remind you of Passover--feel free to read it in Exodus yourself: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+12&version=NIV

Passover was a time when God's chosen people were warned to stay inside, with their families to avoid being stricken down by death. Sound familiar?

Rather than risk your own life, your family's lives, and your community's lives by gathering in a church during this time, instead use it to reflect on what the Jewish people of Egypt felt during the first Passover.

But also consider: it was the firstborn children who were at risk during the first Passover. Not every person. I'm a second-born child--I would not have been at risk then. Much like how I'm in the demographic to avoid much risk of COVID being life threatening.

I don't have to stay inside. I do it to protect the ones I love. Just like the Jewish people of the first Passover used lamb's blood to protect the ones they loved, even if they themselves were not at risk.

When it comes to infectious diseases, we rely on vaccines to create a herd immunity. When there is no vaccine, we must rely on quarantine until we have a vaccine or the threat is lowered so hospitals can accommodate the need. It's not about the individual. It's about community.

God doesn't care where you worship. The church is just a building. And much as you may want to worship with the community of your fellow church family, consider staying at home the sacrifice you make to keep those members safe.

This isn't about what you want. It's about keeping others safe.

And that is truly an action God would appreciate. If you want to worship on Easter, do it through an action of showing love to all people by keeping them safe.