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To the Editor:

I read with interest, as I always do, the Facebook feedback and sound off comments this Wednesday. There were some very polarized comments over the current governmental restrictions, especially regarding places of worship. One question kept turning over in my mind. Even if we have a right, should we always exercise that right? My answer is no. For example, we have the freedom of speech, but, if we’re honest, there are many things that should just go unsaid.

The issue of gathering for worship is interesting since many in this area identify with Christian beliefs. Paul had a thing or two to say about our rights. In 1 Corinthians, he writes “I have the right to do anything … but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything, but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”

So perhaps the questions Christians should ask are what is beneficial and what is good for others? While gathering together is beneficial, is it beneficial for all? What about the most vulnerable such as the elderly and the African-American community? In the end, maybe the right thing to do is to put aside exercising our rights for the good of others.

 

Dominic Reisig

Washington