Beauty in Diversity

Many years ago now, the church I was serving had a joint service with a Korean new church development. This fledgling congregation had been meeting in our building for just a few months. If you have ever been to a multicultural worship service, then you know the tremendous energy that can be present.

That day, we all sensed the deep joy that comes from spending time with our sisters and brothers with whom we share a common faith. We felt a breath of hope – that one day all God’s children will live, work and worship together in peace. And, we noticed a palpable sense of God’s Spirit moving among us and God’s love binding us together despite our differences.

This seems to me to be a lesson for life. So often we dwell on the issues that divide. We focus on our differences, or on what we are against. But that focus only leaves us feeling angry or depressed. However, when we get to know those who are different on a personal level, we often find that we are more alike than we ever thought. We are often enriched by the differences we do bring. And, I have to believe, God smiles.

One of Jesus’ most fervent prayers is that we would be one (John 17).

Let us pray: Creative God, we remember today that you invented all the colors of the rainbow in their infinite shades and hues. You have called into being more than a million species of animals; and you made us in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. We praise you for the beautifully diverse world in which we live and find our place. Today, we pray for those who are different from us. Help us to love them as you love them. Fill us with your grace and peace, that it would be ours to share. Amen.