Perhaps, there are two main reasons why God populated the earth with such diversity among people. First for functionality – communities need people with various interests and skills for optimum functioning (1 Cor. 12:7-11,18-20,25). Second, through our many differences, God is able to test the genuineness of our love.
There are differences in opinion, political view, religious belief, custom, race, age, sexual orientation, cognitive ability, and social and economic class. Additionally, people have various disabilities, mental health issues and medical conditions.
Christ associated with all types of people. He spoke tenderly to an adulterous woman (John 8:10-11), ate meals with tax collectors and sinners as well as the self-righteous religious leaders (Matt. 9:10-11; Luke 11:37,45), and conversed with a Samaritan woman (John 4:7-26).
Embracing differences begins with empathizing, that is trying to understand and be sensitive to other people’s experiences and feelings. Empathy opens our hearts to being compassionate and caring.
In Jesus’ Good Samaritan Parable (Luke 10:25-37), the Samaritan outcast exemplified compassion, and in fact he represents Christ himself, who calls us to even love our enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27) and those different from ourselves.
Another time, Jesus told his audience to treat others the way they would want to be treated (Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31). As we ponder this, we discover what we all share in common: Our desire to be valued, respected and accepted, and shown patience, kindness and compassion.
Scripture warns us about divisive people (Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 1:16-19), who are intent on accentuating our differences and instigating conflict, pitting individuals and groups against one another. But those led by the Spirit of God work toward harmonious relationships that are founded upon peace, unity and inclusion.
We should not merely tolerate differences, but be ready to build others up through offering them encouragement and support (Rom. 14:19; 15:2; Eph. 4:29; 1 Thess. 5:11). When we serve God in this way, we become part of the solution for building communities of unity and peace to snuff out the destructive fires of dissension and violence.
Walking with Jesus Series, Refl. #137, June 2026
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