7 Ways To Love One AnotherSample

Day 4: Love One Another in Our Differences

Have you ever considered the beautiful array and giftings of God’s creation? 

Three-year-old Aidan finds joy in pointing out every ant he sees. Jeremy loves learning about different kinds of clouds and how they relate to the weather, and Kate is fascinated by the varied plant life where she lives in Florida. The diversity of God’s creation is mind-boggling. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

God’s crowning glory was when He created people. Every person on earth is created in His image, yet we look different and have different personalities and gifts. We may share similarities and experiences, but no two people are exactly alike, you are unique and there’s no one like you in all of history!  

There’s beauty in our diversity. These differences can incite disunity in our hearts when we focus on them at the expense of our shared love and belonging in Christ. The unity God calls us to doesn’t negate individuality. Instead, unity brings individuals into a shared purpose and practice that ultimately reflects God’s glory and love to the world around us.

In Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, he needed to address some key problems within the church. In chapters 11-14, Paul discussed ways the church handled themselves in weekly worship gatherings. Whether it was in how they observed the Lord’s supper or how they practiced their spiritual gifts, Paul noted that the Corinthians were allowing their differences to be divisive.

But in the midst of our differences, Paul points us back to our focus: God’s love. He writes, “Let love be your highest goal” (1 Cor. 14:1, NLT). Paul encourages the Corinthians and us today to live in harmony even in the midst of differences because we belong to each other. This belonging is best demonstrated in how we love, honor and respect one another.

So how do you strive to live in harmony in the midst of our diversity? Start by recognizing each person’s uniqueness and seek to honor and respect others who think, act and speak differently than you. Because, like you, they are God’s crowning glory, His masterpiece.

Questions for Reflection: 

• As you consider your role within the body of Christ, what are you doing to promote harmony in the midst of differences? 
• What are some ways you can show appreciation for someone who’s different from you? 
• What areas in your life does God want to grow and mature in you to better reflect harmony in the midst of our differences?