By: Whitney Prewitt
We, as a church, desire to care for one another well. We bring food, watch kids, give financially, encourage in the gospel, exhort towards righteousness, and pray for each other. Yet, flu season brings with it some unique challenges in our care for one another. Our church family is full of both very young and very old. Many of these family members are especially susceptible to sickness and may face severe complications from illnesses like influenza if exposed. So how should we care for one another during flu season?
When you boil it down, the basic component in caring for one another is consideration. Paul reminds us in Philippians that, in humility, we are to “consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).
As we gear up for another year of flu and colds, here are six ways we can consider one another during seasons of communicable sickness!
Consideration #1: Consider washing your hands well and often, and use the hand sanitizer provided throughout our church building! We touch the same door handles, we get coffee from the same air pots, and we use the same restrooms. We’re often a hugging, handshaking, close-talking kind of people. Let’s do what we can to help limit the spread of germs as we maneuver our building and interact closely with one another!
Consideration #2: Consider staying home when you or one of your children are sick or contagious. This is not an excuse to stay home if you’re tired because you stayed up too late on Saturday night. Instead, it’s a kind consideration for you to keep your sickness at home when you have a fever, cough, stomach bug, or sickness that can be passed to others. If you’re not sure if you should stay home, consider erring on the side of caution. We will miss you, but we will also be glad to avoid your sickness, and we will rejoice to see you restored in health the following week!
Consideration #3: Consider wearing a mask if you are still recovering from sickness but are not sure if you are contagious. Yes, you will feel silly. Yes, people will ask you questions. Yes, it will be uncomfortable. However, this simple act of inconvenience on your part is a significant act of consideration towards your fellow church members as you lessen the likelihood that you will spread your sickness to them!
Consideration #4: Consider keeping your hands to yourself. Those affectionate fist-bumps, high-fives, hugs, and pats on the arm are kind gestures within the body, but they can be risky during flu season. Consider whether you should hug the member whose immune system is compromised, and consider whether to ask that mom if you can hold her brand-new baby. As with other treasures, we can practice discipline and look but not touch!
Consideration #5: Consider getting a flu shot*. This may be controversial, as some of our church body may not be convinced of the wisdom in getting a flu shot. We cannot (and would never) force you to get one, but we do urge you to consider the idea. While you personally may be healthy enough to recover from the flu, for some among our church family, contracting the flu could turn deadly. If you decide not to get a flu shot, consider limiting the amount of time you spend around babies, pregnant women, and the elderly, as they are particularly susceptible to complications from the flu.
Consideration #6: Consider praying for physical health for our church family and community. Actively pray for the well-being of our church family during flu season and throughout the year! Each time someone from our body is sick, we should hurt with them and desire to see them returned to us. Let’s pray that God would keep us healthy this year, so that we would be able and equipped to worship and serve together.
Within the church, we share so much of life that we often end up sharing our sicknesses in the process. Yet, consideration for the needs of our fellow church members should lead us to remember that our physical health often affects our brothers’ and sisters’ physical health. This flu season, let’s share all things in common—except our germs!
*If you would like to get a flu shot, many organizations and clinics offer free or reduced-price flu shots with proof of insurance or for those in certain age brackets. Some companies give out coupons or gift cards when you get a flu shot. See the list here for local places where you can secure a flu shot.