Different Yet Together
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” Ephesians 4:2-6
As we come together each week to serve and support the community through Kitchen One for One, we get to see firsthand the beautiful diversity amongst our volunteers and those we serve. In Ephesians, Paul calls us to embody humility, gentleness, and love as we strive to maintain unity in the Spirit, recognizing that we’re all just a small part of something much bigger than ourselves... something diverse… something that’s better when we embrace differences and strive for togetherness.
We’re urged to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This bond unites us despite our differences and helps create a sense of togetherness and mutual respect. By embracing the backgrounds and experiences of others, we strengthen this bond and bring about space where everyone can feel valued and included, where the Good News of Christ can be shared, and where others feel safe to be changed by God’s “agape” love.
Jesus' life and ministry were characterized by inclusivity and love. He welcomed people from all walks of life. He broke down barriers and challenged societal norms. As followers of Christ, we’re called to reflect this inclusivity in our actions and interactions with others. It’s impossible to do what God calls us to do without first meeting people where they’re at. So, by celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our volunteers and those we serve, we can honor Jesus' teachings and create a community that embodies His love.
Each member of our volunteer community brings unique gifts, talents, and experiences to the table. These differences enrich our collective effort to serve well. So, let’s celebrate and encourage one another to use our God-given abilities, recognizing that our diversity can be a source of strength.
Unity in diversity is achieved when we seek to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. By intentionally engaging with each other in open and respectful ways, we can learn from one another and build bridges that connect us. This is true for volunteer-to-volunteer relations as well as between our volunteers and those we serve. So, let’s strive to create an environment where everyone's voice is heard, and our differences are seen as opportunities for growth and connection.
Here are some practical ways for us be different yet together:
Take the time to listen to the stories and experiences of others, showing empathy and understanding.
Acknowledge and celebrate the cultural traditions and practices of our volunteers and those we serve.
Serve “together” rather than just showing up and doing our own thing.
Ensure that our events and gatherings are inclusive and welcoming to all.
Be sure to allow Jesus into the spaces between us
