Biblical Encouragement: Fear, Social Distancing, and Quarantine

How is a Christian supposed to respond to fear, social distancing, and quarantine? What does the Bible say? Read on for some encouragement.

You’ve probably heard about the Covid-19 virus pandemic that’s sweeping the world right now. We read about worst case scenarios and hear heart gripping stories of doctors having to choose which of the three lives in front of him he’s going to save—because there’s not enough resources available. It’s overwhelming.

“What if” type thoughts can arrive uninvited, threatening to send your mind spiraling into almost-panic mode (because, of course, you’d never panic).

What if I get it? What if I infect my family? What if I die??

And that’s when the icy grip of fear can start to creep over your heart. “What if” are the two words fear uses to ensnare us.

The experts tell us to implement something called “social distancing.” (As a mother of sometimes stinky teenage boys, I’m in favor.) What does social distancing mean? They advise us to keep our body spaced six feet apart from others while in public. This common sense recommendation provides a safe shield from the unseen particles of Covid-19.

The guidance continues with avoiding large gatherings, working from home, and even taking advantage of food delivery options. For a short season, it seems tolerable. But in the possibility of a long space of time? You begin to actually miss that coworker that rubs you the wrong way. You tell yourself that Aunt Gertha’s breath really isn’t that bad; you want to see her again. Or you imagine hanging out with that quirky neighbor that you have nothing in common with but really striking a chord.

The fact is: being with people makes life enjoyable. (Yet another reason not to miss out on “assembling ourselves together” Hebrews 10:25).

Long stretches of social distancing threatens to invite an even greater dismal outlook to the future. We need each other. The awkwardness of standing apart makes you feel alone.

Then there’s the possibility that someone you know is required to go into quarantine. They can’t get around anyone. It’s sad. You can imagine how awful that must be. Being in quarantine makes social distancing sound lovely.

You’ve applied wisdom and prepared, but maybe they didn’t? Or maybe they did but not enough. Do they need food? Medicine? Toilet paper? (Because, you know, toilet-paper-empty-shelves confirm that the white fluffy necessity fights Covid-19.)

Christians Need to Respond to Our Current Crisis Like This

How is a Christian supposed to respond?

How is a Christian supposed to respond to fear, social distancing, and quarantine? What does the Bible say? Let’s address each of the three issues above.

First, fear.

One of my favorite verses to combat the spirit of fear is 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” God gave you three weapons here in the fight against fear. He gave you His power:

“Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 NKJV

What a great promise! Next, He gave you His love:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 NKJV

Finally, He gave you a sound mind:

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 NKJV

Trusting Him is a concrete key to a peace-filled mind! We need to remind ourselves of His promises before we do anything else because it will affect our choices. And we need to make God-filled choices.