Beyond labels: The Value of Connecting with Uncommon People 

Have you ever felt intimidated to meet someone who is completely different from you? Someone who comes from a different background, with different beliefs and lifestyles?

While it may seem daunting, the Bible reminds us of the value and importance of connecting with these uncommon people. Let's explore why meeting and learning from uncommon individuals can be a life-changing experience.

Meeting new people can be quite intimidating, especially when they are not the typical kind of individuals we often encounter in our daily lives. These uncommon people can be of various origins, beliefs, and lifestyles, and oftentimes, we may not know how to connect with them. However, in the Bible, we are constantly reminded of the value and importance of meeting and learning from uncommon people.

In the book of Acts, we see how Paul, one of the early disciples of Jesus, encountered a diverse group of people during his missionary journeys. From the Jews to the Greeks, and even the philosophers of Athens, Paul did not shy away from meeting and engaging with people of different cultures and backgrounds. He understood the importance of learning from these uncommon people, and he embraced the opportunity to share the gospel with them.

As Christians, we are also called to follow in the footsteps of Paul. We are meant to go out into the world and meet different people, to learn from them, and to share the message of God’s love. In doing so, we not only expand our horizons but also gain valuable insights and perspective from these uncommon individuals. One of the reasons why we should learn from uncommon people is that they can teach us valuable lessons about humility.

In Proverbs 18:12, it says, “Before destruction, the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” Often, we tend to think highly of ourselves and look down on others who may not fit into our idea of “normal.” However, when we meet uncommon people, we are reminded that we are all equal in the eyes of God. They teach us to let go of our pride and approach others with humility, just as esus did in his ministry.

Furthermore, uncommon people can also teach us about compassion and empathy. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

Through these words, Jesus emphasizes the importance of caring for those who are less fortunate, for those who may be considered “uncommon” in society. When we open our hearts to these individuals and listen to their stories, we are able to understand their struggles and show them compassion and empathy.

Moreover, meeting uncommon people can challenge our beliefs and perspectives. In Acts 10:34-35, Peter declared, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” Through this encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion, Peter’s view of God’s love and acceptance was expanded beyond the boundaries of his own culture and tradition.

In the same way, when we encounter and get to know uncommon people, we are forced to confront our own biases and prejudices. We may realize that our narrow view of the world is limiting us from truly understanding and accepting others. By learning from these individuals, we broaden our perspective and become more open-minded. Lastly, meeting uncommon people can also teach us about the power of difference and unity.

In Proverbs 27:17, it says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” When we have the opportunity to interact with people who are different from us, we are able to learn from their experiences and gain new insights. Instead of fearing difference, we should embrace it and see it as an opportunity to come together in unity.

Meeting uncommon people can be a life-changing experience. They can teach us valuable lessons about humility, compassion, empathy, perspective, and unity. As Christians, we are called to go out into the world and embrace the difference around us. So let us not shy away from meeting unusual individuals, but instead, see it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Just as Paul did, let us boldly engage with uncommon people and share the love of God with them. 

Your partner,
(c) Apostle Jonas Clark
www.jonasclark.com