Being Friends Through Differences
Today I want to talk about something I wish others had shared with me when I was a student. Liberty is a great university and offers amazing experiences. I know this first-hand being an LU alum. However, I believe to challenge our intellectual wellness, we need to serve people and not shy away from being friends with others who may not think like us or agree with us all the time.
I believe as you pursue your education here, your intellectual wellness will be challenged in the classroom environment. We can also grow intellectually by knowing firmly what our Biblical worldview is and engaging with others who believe differently than us. I think sometimes as Christians, it becomes extremely easy to get caught up in spending time with like-minded people (i.e., other Christians). Please do not misunderstand, fellowshipping with other believers is important, and God teaches us to do that! (Hebrews 10:24-25, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching”).
I want to offer an additional perspective: Jesus, when he was here on earth did not spend all his time with the philosophers. In fact, when we read the Bible, his time was mostly spent serving and ministering to others! He spent time with people who did not believe in a Messiah, people who were considered outcasts or unclean in Biblical times. He listened to what they said and then he conversed with them, sharing the Gospel in such a loving and gentle way!
So, what does this look like as an LU student? I want to share three practical steps:
- I mean this-pray and ask God for opportunities to engage with others and minister to others. He will open those doors.
- Look for opportunities. There are many opportunities to serve through local organizations. Additionally, consider if you are working part-time, or preparing for a future practicum or internship, I can almost guarantee you there will be an opportunity there!
- Be a good friend and listen. Most people will not care how much you know until they know that you care about them as a person. Remember you can be friends with someone and agree to disagree.
Finally, I hope this challenges you to think about as you study here at Liberty, how you can be a light in a dark world both now and in the future!
