WWJD By Dr. Richard Youngblood
Question: Why are some people so intolerant of those
who are different from themselves? Is it not possible to work with others
without arguing and insisting that my way is the only right way to do things? What would Jesus do?
One of the beauties about the way God made our world is its diversity. Just as no two snowflakes are exactly the same, no two people are alike. Not only is this true of our physical appearance, but also our personalities, ways of thinking, cultural experiences, home life and educational experiences. These differences can bless us by bringing different perspectives so that we can respect and learn from one another. Or they can be a source of conflict if a person approaches others with a lack of forbearance or with intolerance.
Although he did not always approve of what some people did or said, Jesus respected each person’s right to think and examine things for himself. He illustrated in life the teachings of Colossians 3:11-14, “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (NIV).
To “bear with” one another in humility, gentleness and patience does not mean you agree or endorse what a person says, believes or does. Consider what forbearance Jesus demonstrated in dealing with the impulsive and headstrong apostle Peter. He also rebuked the apostles James and John calling them “Sons of Thunder” for wanting to call down fire on the Samaritans (Luke 9:54). Apparently, they were intolerant of the Samaritans. In spite of these less than desirable characteristics, Jesus continued to work with these men and others of his disciples.
The fact that we differ on something does not have to destroy our
relationship. Not everything is a matter
of life or death. Instead of focusing
only on our differences, we need to look for matters of agreement and work from
that point. A preacher once held his
hand up and asked an audience, “What do you see?” “A black spot,” they responded. “What about all the clean white hand that is
so much larger than the spot?” he then asked.
In the same manner, why should we allow any one flaw or matter of
disagreement to destroy a relationship when there are so many more important
areas of agreement and good qualities on which to focus. [Send questions or
comments to University Church of Christ, 801 N. 12th,