Solutions April 2019 | Page 17

by reflecting the image of Christ in how we interact with those whose worldviews differ from ours. We have a chance to demonstrate what a Christlike approach to diversity looks like in practical terms. As a Christian, approaching diversity in ways that bring people together can be part of the Christlike example you set. That said, no matter what the diversity issue you are dealing with happens to be—race, gender, sexual identity, age, religion—remember that you do not have to accept or validate the views of people whose worldviews differ from yours in order to engage them. Talking with someone who holds a different worldview and validating that individual’s worldview are two different things. In fact, when you talk with people whose views run afoul of Scripture, remember to see them as opportunities, not enemies. Even Christ refused to condemn a woman who was guilty of adultery. But in defending her, Christ did not validate her sin. Rather, He sent her on her way with the admonition to go and sin no more (John 8:1-11). As Christians, we are expected to love our neighbors as ourselves. People who disagree with us on matters of race, gender, religion, politics, sexual identity, or any other diversity-related issue are our neighbors. They are not always good neighbors, but they are neighbors n o n eth eless in th e b ib lical sense. Approaching diversity in a Christlike manner means treating your neighbors Solutions • 17