Friends R Usनमुना

Diversity: Celebrating Differences

I am a person who would be identified as Caucasian and I share friendships with individuals of various ethnic groups (Thai, Indian, Latino, African American, etc.).  I started out very prideful thinking my love for people was good enough and I didn’t need to learn or understand anything. One word quickly repeated... “LISTEN.”   Listening is important when building relationships cross-culturally.  In my relationships,  I was corrected for things I said that were implied racist.  

As I entered communities that I didn’t, by my ethnicity, “belong to” I began to experience and see their world. I had to listen. I had to stop believing the statement, “because I love everybody I understand everything.”  As I began to listen, I learned.  I found value in their differences that makes me a stronger and a more mature friend. I also learned through God’s word. 

In the Book of Acts Chapter 10, we see a glimpse of God’s heart when Peter, a Jew, is sent to Cornelius, a Gentile, by God and learns that God does NOT show favoritism BUT accepts people from every nation.  This scripture helped me realize, when Christ is doing His ministry in the earth He is not only selecting and ministering to people who share His upbringing or background.  

Prayer:  God thank you for friendships, for differences, for unity and for the example Christ set.  Come now and help me to see my strengths and the strengths of my friends.  Help me to encourage, to listen, to correct and to share life with my community.  Give me discernment on who to bring close and when and what to share.  In Jesus Name I surrender this to you in faith.  

Written by Lindsay McDonnell