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Most people feel most comfortable with people who are most like them. It's not easy to bridge differences in habits, faith, culture, or race. But God's love shows powerfully when friendships form between dissimilar persons. And each difference can enhance your understanding of what it means to serve God and love people.

Certainly differences can rub you the wrong way. As an early-to-bed-and-early-to-rise person, you may see a late sleeper as lazy. Yet that person may accomplish more after your bedtime than you do in your whole day. Talk long enough to find out. Invite him to tell you how he spends his day. Rejoice inwardly when you find that though you sleep in different time zones, you both make and complete lists. Build on those commonalities with phrases like, "As someone who likes to make the most of his day, isn't it neat Jesus wants to make the most of our lives? How have you seen this happen?"

Perhaps most valuable in bridging relationships is a refusal to categorize anyone. Recognize each person as God's one-of-a-kind creation who's worth knowing. Rather than define a person by race or denomination, recognize a kindred spirit with skin on. Call each person by name rather than category. Asking his or her name is a good start. (See also John 4:4-26; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 4:2-6.)

Good Words to Remember:
Now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealedthrough faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. Romans 3:21, 22

Today's Challenge:
Do you tend to categorize people, or do you see each person as unique? Why?

Copyright © 2003 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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