What are some of the issues that divide our communities?

Think of every hot topic you may be avoiding or debating this holiday season. Our families, communities, churches and young people are divided in so many ways and we as believers are somehow supposed to overcome all this misunderstanding and be the bridge. Honestly, that sounds impossible in our current climate.

Think about a time when you felt misunderstood or not valued for your opinion in regards to some of these divisions. How did that make you feel? What was the result?

With the overwhelming context we live in we need some guidance from the only One who can overcome every division. In 1 Corinthians 9, we get that guidance when Paul invites us as believers to meet people where they are at.

“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” — 1 Corinthians 9:19-22

What does that look like?

• SEEK HUMILITY – Consider others better than yourself & acknowledge we are all on a journey and only God has all the answers.
• BECOME A BETTER LISTENER – seek understanding instead of waiting to respond and ask questions for clarity with a humble heart and a true desire to know.
• CREATE SPACE FOR DIALOGUE – encourage courageous conversations and have difficult conversations without going to war needing to determine a winner & loser. 

Ask yourself: Do I want to win/be right or do I want to connect, relate and understand?

As followers of Christ seeking to build His kingdom on earth, we must choose to observe, listen, and inquire rather than criticize, rationalize, and withdraw.