Don’t Oppose the Opposite!

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

In my family, I have two sisters and one brother, and while we have many similarities, we are also all pretty opposite in many ways. For example, I love summer – the beach, the sand, the hot sun – I can’t get enough. My sister Amy, however, hates it. She would rather cuddle up with a blanket on a snowy day. Another example is while I love going to the mall to shop for dresses and makeup, my sister Caitlin would rather shop at a farmers market for fresh fruits and vegetables any day. And while my brother Daniel loves going to the gym and lifting weights early in the morning every morning, I would rather play a team sport… if I choose to get my exercise in at all. One big thing that differentiates me from the rest of my siblings is that they’re all introverts, and I am an EXTREME extrovert.
It’s interesting to see how God made people so different. I can sometimes get discouraged by how differences separate people; I mean, we’ve all read the news, seen social media, or had conversations with people and have left with bitter tastes in our mouths because we disagree. However, with that being said, how cool is it to know that the uniqueness that God gave each one of us can also bring us together… for HIS glory?
There’s a saying that opposites attract, and I totally agree. My best friends and I are so unalike in so. many. ways. We have completely different, almost opposite, personalities. But we get along so well. It’s cool to see how God uses our differences to bring us closer to each other and, more importantly, to serve Him. For example, while my friend Rachel has a passion for serving in Children’s Ministry, I am more excited about serving in outreach. Both are so important, but it takes different personalities to serve in each role, and we appreciate each other’s different gifts.
Galatians 3:28 says: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
John 13:34-35 says: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Instead of having distaste toward those who think differently, what if we truly loved them? I’m not saying we have to compromise our convictions at all; if someone says something that disagrees with or attacks the Word of God, it is important to stand by it whatever the cost. But I also feel like often people today just look at the bad side of thinking differently. Even brothers and sisters in Christ can have conversations with one another and leave with a feeling of aversion because of a difference of opinion.
Think about it this way: There will be a day when all of those people with different personalities, interests, and thoughts will be together in Heaven and it will be perfect. God calls us to live united in Christ and to show His love… let’s strive to do that today!
Erin Culleny serves as a Marketing Assistant and Staff Writer. She loves encouraging women through her Victory Calls and finds such joy in praying for her sisters in Christ. Her favorite activities include reading her Bible, encouraging others with scripture, buying new dresses, and eating at the Cheesecake Factory… In that order!