The cities in America are booming with such diversity, ethnicity, and culture. I was in Boston, Jamaica Plain this week consulting for work. In my travel I saw such a long line of people including families for a couple of blocks waiting to get immigration family services. I am not sure where they were from perhaps some from the south of the border, but it looked like several different areas. People looking for dreams, opportunities, a better life, etc…
The kind of people that even some religious groups couldn’t be bothered with. Which may be a sad commentary to the the church, the body of Christ. I am generalizing here. I thought about their fears, and concerns, being in a strange land, yet a land of opportunity and freedom. Does the government have to do all the work to help? As a believer in Christ what is my responsibility or yours for that matter? How can we help? How about being kind, friendly or respectful and considerate. Maybe we could help them teach English or mentor in some way. Then I thought maybe we could learn a lesson or two from them.
It’s not just the Irish, English, Germans, Swedish. Hispanic, Italians, and Jewish people anymore in Boston or other large cities and suburbs!
How do we welcome or be a friend to people, human beings that are different than us? Remember, they see us different as well. Everyone of us wants to be accepted by other people just like them. Jesus came to love the whole world not just a select few. I guess this is why some of the religious crowds gave him a difficult time. Some of these groups were set in their ways and they didn’t think like them or look like them!
Just because people are different doesn’t mean we can’t get along. Have you ever thought that other people of different race, culture, ethnic groups, religions may think you are weird or strange as well?
I learned to rub shoulders with different people in the city which has helped me to love, accept, and respect people for who they are and not listen to the cookie cutter comments or stereotypes of other voices. Why should I judge them when I don’t really even know them?
If you want to make a difference in your world then get out there and see your world and stop listening to the BS in the media and social media and your life will make a better impact.
Jesus emphasized us to “Love one another”.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility”,
Ephesians 2:13-14 NIV
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth”.
1 John 3:16-18 NIV
Let’s demonstrate and show the truth by our action my friend.
Have a great weekend my friend and may you make a difference on our world today.
The Watering Hole Journey 