Who do you fundamentally disagree with? We all have someone or some group whose beliefs clash with our own.
I learned a life-changing lesson on this during my time as pastor of an international congregation in Moscow, Russia. Our congregation was unique—with 32 nations represented and members speaking various languages. This diversity was exciting, but it also came with challenges. Among our congregants were Raj and Sunil. Both were educated, faithful Christian men. But they were from two different countries with a painful history of conflict. Along with this history came a deep-rooted hatred towards each other.
The moment they discovered each others countries of origin, they wanted nothing to do with each other. Each avoided the other at church, and I often heard, “You can’t trust them” from both sides. They were carrying the weight of cultural narratives and biases that had been ingrained for decades.
Despite this tension, both men yearned to be like Jesus and they took that call seriously. I watched as slowly they would sit a little closer during worship. Then, one Sunday, they exchanged handshakes. These were small steps, but they represented significant breakthroughs as the boundary lines they had created started to blur.
The turning point came when I arrived early to church one afternoon and found them sharing tea in the courtyard. Week after week, this became their ritual. Through these conversations, they moved beyond their assumptions and began to appreciate their shared faith, realizing they had much more in common than they’d thought.
This reconciliation wasn’t easy or quick. It involved honest conversations, confronting biases, and dismantling stereotypes. It was uncomfortable at times—gritty, even—but it was transformative. As they grew in appreciation for each other, I saw how the gospel of Jesus Christ can bridge divides and foster radical healing.
Jesus brings people together. We’re called to put aside our differences of politics, or culture, and see people through the lens of Jesus.
If you embrace this perspective, it will change your life.
We gather every Sunday, 10 AM, at Temple Beth David located at 4657 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418.
Join us for an uplifting message, a chance to connect with a warm community, and find encouragement. Childcare is provided. We can’t wait to see you!
