Life-Changing Cross-Cultural Friendships by Gary Chapman

Author:Gary Chapman
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Zondervan
Published: 2022-03-30T00:00:00+00:00

This is not an exhaustive list of the characteristics of loving those of a different race or culture. But loving as Jesus loved requires that we look beyond our own back yard and are willing to move into the world of those who are not like us. Our objective is to look out for the interests of others, to meet them where they are and seek to enrich their lives. That is certainly what Jesus did for the Samaritan woman. If we encounter injustice, we are to remember God’s words to Israel: “Do not twist justice in legal matters by favoring the poor or being partial to the rich and powerful. Always judge people fairly” (Lev. 19:15 NLT). As Christ followers, we must do what is necessary to seek justice for all.

People are divided over whether systemic racism exists. Often our views and experiences shape our perspective on this question.

If we learn to address injustice when we see it and have the opportunity to do something about it, then our focus won’t be on what others are or are not doing but instead will be on the situations in which we can have a positive impact for God’s glory. God hates injustice, and so should we.

We also need to love the ones dispensing the injustice, because they too need God’s love, just like those who experience injustice. We should hate the injustice, but not the ones being unjust. This requires God’s supernatural love!

Remember the South Carolina church whose members forgave the white supremacist for killing their family members and friends. And the African American brother who forgave the White female police officer who killed his innocent brother, who was in his own apartment.

If we understand God’s heart, then we know that interdependency is essential to the body of Christ. God’s idea of interdependency requires that unity and diversity exist simultaneously, according to 1 Corinthians 12:12–27.

Ultimately, Jesus offered the Samaritan woman forgiveness for her failures, and eternal life. We also are to see all people as worthy of our time and attention. We may have the opportunity to point people to the God who loves them and wants to forgive their past and give them eternal life. God commands us to love others, and anything God commands is for our good. God also empowers us to do whatever he commands. The apostle Paul said, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13 NLT).

We believe that the attitude expressed in loving behavior toward those of another race is the key to racial understanding, and will often lead to mutually beneficial and long-lasting friendships. We don’t want you to just understand the concept of cross-cultural friendships; we want you to experience them! Our desire is that you will allow God to express his love to others through you. We believe that when the world sees Christians sincerely loving across racial and cultural lines, many people will be drawn to the one who loved them enough to die for them.

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