The last few days have quite uncomfortable for many people in Kenya. Tribal differences have come to the fore, and suddenly people are losing friends and breaking relationships because they are not able to see eye to eye. As a Christian, how am I supposed to handle myself in the wake of tribal differences? This post gives a few tips that will point us all in the right direction.
- Remember that we need each other
Despite the fact that we are created differently and placed in different communities, each one of us has a purpose to fulfill on this earth. Each person has a gift that is vital for the efficient working of the church and society. If we focus on our differences, therefore, how will our society run?
Romans 12:6a “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.”(NLT)
Note that in the above verse, the word ‘different’ is used positively, as it signifies the ability of each person to do certain things well. If everybody is given the space and freedom to do what God has called him or her to do, our society will run just the way God intended it to run!
- We are all the works of his hands
Isaiah 64:8 “And yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, and you are the potter. We are all formed by your hand.” (NLT)
God made all of us, and he was pleased with his workmanship. He did not designate some people as inferior and others superior because of their tribe. God placed each of us in a particular tribe, family, and community for a reason. Who are we, therefore, to dispute his plans?
- God requires that we care for each other
Selfishness has infiltrated the church with devastating results. Everybody is out to work things out for their own good regardless of the effect it has on the person next to them. What does God say about this?
Philippians 2:3 “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” (NLT)
Okay- this is a tall order for most of us, but unfortunately, it is God’s command. We are required to care for each other regardless of color, tribe or race. Our differences should not stand in the way of God’s instructions. Who knows – that person you consider different from you may turn out to be your closest friend!
- We need to set an example for the world
If we, the church of Christ, do not show the world that we can accept and celebrate our differences, who will?
Titus 2:7 “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” (NLT)
Christians, let us accept one another. We need to concentrate on what binds us together, our love for Christ, rather than what separates us. That way, the world will be encouraged to follow our example.
Dear Christian, the ball is in your court. Are you prepared to be an instrument that God can use to unite our country? If so, let the following verse guide your actions.
1 Peter 4:8 “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”