Seek to build bridges
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10 ESV)
When people don’t belong to a culture they are introduced to, they are more likely to detect and appreciate things that members of that culture hardly notice, because the members of that culture are so enmeshed in it. Conversely, foreigners often fail to understand or appreciate social expectations and codes that those native to the country are familiar with.
In the past year I’ve traveled to three continents, and met many wonderful and interesting people. If you asked me what I consider the key to adapting to new cultures, countries, situations, or people, I’d say that it’s genuine interest and care for others.
Seek to build bridges of communication with those you might not understand at first. Show yourself welcoming and open and portray kindness and respect. Accept others as they are, and don’t draw a circle around your life that shuts others out. Remember that “the greatest of these is love”, and love is a universal language that you can use to reach people in whatever language, culture, or tribe you find yourself in.
You cannot always understand somebody or why they react, feel, or think the way they do, yet you can always try to love them and share the good news about the One who knows everything about them and loves them and wants to enter into a personal relationship with them for all eternity. [1]
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others. - John F. Kennedy
[1] Anchor Of Blind Men and Elephants
