Diversity on the Street

Thursday, February 16, 2012 Posted by Debbie Legg

Good morning, folks! This is Debbie Legg, your Word on the Street Reporter. Today’s question for the masses is, “What is the best way to handle the negative aspects of diversity?” Let’s hear what the people have to say:

Matthew, former tax collector: Remember, it doesn’t matter if you are a tax collector or sinner, righteous or not, all are welcome in God’s family. (Matthew 9:9-13)

James, brother of Jesus: My best advice would be, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily. Never think some people are more important than others. (James 1:19, 2:1)

Jude, brother of Jesus: I agree with James, and I would add to be merciful to those who doubt. (Jude 1:22)

John, son of Zebedee, former fisherman: Hmmm… I would say love your brothers and sisters and walk in the light. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. (1 John 2:10-11)

Mark, follower of Jesus: Well, I guess it’s like Jesus says, “if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

Peter, former fisherman: Great question! I would have to say above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)

Paul, former persecutor: In the new life there is no difference between Greeks and Jews, those who are circumcised and those who are not circumcised, or people who are foreigners, or Scythians. There is no difference between slaves and free people. But Christ is in all believers, and Christ is all that is important. God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. Even more than all this, clothe yourself in love. Love is what holds you all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:11-14 NCV)