Almost everyone has heard the phrase, “What would Jesus do?” I personally like to think of it as “What would love do?” because that is how he lived his life, looking for the most loving thing to do at any moment. That also seems a pertinent question to ask right now in this COVID-19 moment locally, as well as nationally and worldwide, because so many are fighting so hard for some perceived truth and demonizing the opposition to their views instead of asking the simple question, “What would love do?”

I’ll tell you what love wouldn’t do and that is to hate anyone or desire to defeat them, beat them or call in death threats (which has been happening, yes, even here, according to local officials). Love would never try to win by fear or by trying to dominate the conversation, shouting down the opposition, or any such endeavor. Love wouldn’t try to assert its own rights at the expense of others, and love wouldn’t hate your neighbor because they see things a bit differently, either.

Love would try to understand the core issues and respond lovingly. Is there a danger to people’s health? Are people dying and getting long-term sickness as a result? Is there something we can do about it? If so, does it make sense to do something? Will not doing something hurt more people or help? What is the cost factor?

Perhaps starting by seeing each other differently is a first step. We are a community, not simply a bunch of individual parts that have no responsibility to the whole. We have health systems, school systems, etc., and they require cooperation to operate. If they become stressed and unable to operate adequately, then we lose far more than we gain. Some schools are beginning to not be able to operate. Many hospitals are at the breaking point.

In this moment, my answer to “What would love do?” is we need to protect our children, our community as a whole and yes, each other. We should keep things open as much as possible, but not by ignoring the dangers and realities on the ground. Freedom isn’t free when it hurts other people.

By taking precautions collectively we actually can ensure a greater degree of freedom than when we go it alone and just do what we want for ourselves. This is why it is important to wear face coverings in public situations at this time, particularly anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet and, yes, that includes our children. When the threat subsides, then we can enjoy our maskless schools, crowds and gatherings.

I know it’s a hot-button issue for a multitude of reasons, but it doesn’t have to be. We can ask what love would do (or Jesus, if you prefer) and then respond accordingly. When most people do that, good things tend to happen. I’ll try to be on the side of good. I hope you will, too.

Bob Devine is the coordinator for the Pocatello Film Society.