Finding Common Ground in His Love

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. -Genesis 1:27

In my high school years, a school teacher of mine had what seemed to be every unique pair of chuck taylor sneakers ever made by converse. One day they were white, the next day he wore a neon pink version, the next day an animal print, and many more. It was seen by some students to be “cool” and some thought it was just plain dorky. Regardless, students seemed to love him for it. I never really asked him what his infatuation with the sneakers were, but a few years later they became all the fad and he became that much “cooler” to the new students of that year.

As childish a story it may seem, this memory reminded me of how as Christians, the heart of identifying and relating with our neighbors with the good news of Christ has been a tough ordeal throughout the history of the church. People have died and wars have started because of our lack of willingness to find true common ground.

So how does one begin to relate with those who might be skeptic or unfamiliar with the gospel?

When we try to compare and find common ground on matters of morality and the flesh, we will always disagree or find differences that seem like they are worth fighting about. The issue with Christians throughout history and even today is that we are so adamant about one’s own ethical stance, and base most of our faith on what is right and wrong when we present gospel living to our neighbors. And that is the struggle for many of those who do not believe – is Christianity merely a set of rules and regulations? a code of morality? If this is truly so, then what is to say that Christianity’s premise is any different than the unbeliever who lives for their own ambitions and pleasure? To live for one’s own glory or achievements in this life is one of the heaviest burdens one can take on, yet we recognize as Christians it is one of the most foolish things to live for. A personal conviction merely for morality and ethnical perspectives is hardly any different in the sense that it can easily be for one’s own self – for pride of one’s own piety. It is certainly meaningless and empty without something essential – the purpose and the root of it all – that is our faith in the person of Jesus Christ.

Finding common ground with one another is to find who we were all created to look like and begin to look at the giftings that God has placed in each one of us, pressing forward for the things that matter for eternity, rather than the things about yesterday, today, or even tomorrow. This can only be worked out when we realize that my neighbor’s life was given in Grace as much as mine was – that I am no greater or lesser than my neighbor is.

Even though God is greater than we are, he reaches out and pursues us in unconditional love, and complete acceptance of our most unique and broken states. It is absurd to think that he would do that, even when we’ve bickered and complained. But that is the beautiful and humbling love God has for us. So much in fact that He gave his son Jesus, to be at common ground with us, to shed blood as we would, to feel pain as we do – so that we may know that in His conquering over death and all pain in life, we too would be able to live that way in eternity with Him.

Thus, to have common ground with one another, we must begin by practicing and imitating the image of Christ – displayed in unconditional love, with sacrifice – complete forgiveness and relentlessly pressing forward for the things that matter for eternity – just as He relentlessly pursues us each day. It is in the love of Christ that we will find common ground, restoration, revival, and healing in our work places, in our churches, and in our homes.

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. – John 15:9-11

One Year Bible (oneyearbibleonline.com):

Genesis 44:1-45:28
Matthew 14:13-36
Psalm 18:37-50
Proverbs 4:11-13