Each of us sees the world through different eyes. Our distinctions create a vibrant source of perspective. You notice this. I notice that. We see more together.
What if we approached our differences with this in mind? What if we chose not to hunker down and defend our interests, but rather to open ourselves to new understandings, nuances we had not considered before, and a new way of thinking? This does not mean abandoning what we see. It means being committed to understanding how we came to this, so we might be a more developed conversation partner.
Living in community is complicated. We need insight to balance our perspectives with the wisdom of others, to open ourselves to understand and respect the challenges facing our siblings in Christ.
God, help us choose to see this diversity as a gift from you rather than a complex hassle to avoid. Amen.
This message is an excerpt of “The gift of many” by Catherine Malotky in the April 2018 issue of Gather magazine. Today we remember Irenaeus, bishop of Lyons, who died around 202.
Do you enjoy these free Daily Grace messages? If so, donate now to further the ministry.