Greetings, inclusional bridge builders!
In this exciting installment of our Christian Life Hacks adventure, we’re going to combine the power of building bridges and embracing outsiders. That’s right, folks – we’re doubling down on inclusional living! James reminds us not to show favoritism based on appearances or social status (James 2:2-5):
2 Suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?
James 2:2-5 (NLT)
To truly build an inclusional community, we need to reach out and connect with people who may be different from us or who we might typically overlook. It’s time to expand our social horizons, friends!
First up: building bridges. This involves making a conscious effort to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences. Start a conversation with someone new at church or work, or invite a neighbor from a different culture over for dinner. An outward-focused life is the call of every Christian. The more bridges we build, the more we strengthen our inclusional community.
Now, let’s talk about embracing outsiders. These are the folks who may be marginalized or excluded in society, and they need our love and support just as much as anyone else. So, reach out to that shy newcomer at your weekly Bible study or volunteer at a local organization that helps those in need. Remember, the heart of inclusional living is making sure everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Combining these two powerful actions – building bridges and embracing outsiders – can create a beautiful tapestry of inclusional living that reflects the love of Christ in our communities. As we continue to break down barriers and open our hearts to others, we’ll be living examples of the inclusional values that James encourages us to embrace.
So, grab your hard hats and your warmest smiles, and let’s get to work on building bridges and embracing outsiders in our journey toward a more inclusional community!
What steps can you take to build bridges and connect with people from diverse backgrounds while embracing outsiders and making them feel included and valued?
What I love about where I work they are big on culture and there’s people here from everywhere that travels in from all the world and it’s diverse background here. Today I will show those I come in contact with positive attitude, loving, and offer help wherever is needed. Have a great day y’all. 💕
The steps we can take to build bridges are mentioned in the reading for today. I believe it just takes a willingness to talk to people and putting ourselves out of our comfort zone and striking up the conversation. I think this can be hard sometimes because sometimes I can be task oriented and just minding my own business. I guess we have to strike a balance between the two.
One step I can take to be more inclusional is put down my judgement guard and be friendly to everyone. Sometimes I see myself gravitate towards certain groups while I ignore others, this is based on implicit bias and I need to let that go. God has invited me to His table despite my wrongdoings, the least I could do is extend the same invitation to others as well.
I think the first step I can take to be more inclusional is start with myself first & evaluate my own heart and mind. I pray to come in with an open mind and be grateful that we are able to share differences & give each other new learning opportunities. Sometimes it can be awkward for me to strike up a conversation because I don’t know what to say first or what to talk about, but I can be an active listener & create a safe space for whomever it is to share.
(from Brian)
List of steps i can build to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and making them feel included and valued:
1. Be intentional and have a heart to learn and lesson
2. Be comfortable in being uncomfortable. Even tho I’m talkative it’s not always easy to approach new “friends”
3. Simply learn to carve out time since time seems to be scarce these days