In today’s world, we encounter people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives daily. Despite this diversity, it’s easy to fall into the habit of stereotyping—assuming that someone fits into a specific category based on race, gender, social class, or ethnicity. As Christians, however, we are called to go beyond surface-level assumptions and truly see people as individuals, each uniquely created in the image of God.
How can we see beyond assumptions and better understand the depth of people’s experiences and identities?
Seeing the Individual
A stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified belief about a particular group of people. We often rely on stereotypes because they make it easier for us to process information quickly, but they can also prevent us from seeing people as individuals.
The problem with this is that it reduces people to a set of assumptions, keeping us from recognizing the vast differences among individuals, even those from the same group. Often, we don’t take the time to get to know others personally. Instead, we trust our first impressions or believe what others have told us about certain groups. This kind of thinking prevents us from building meaningful relationships.
All Nations
The Bible provides clear guidance on how we should view people. In Galatians 3:6-29, Paul explains that salvation is not reserved for one particular group. Originally, God’s promise was given to Abraham and his descendants, the Jewish people. But as Paul reminds us, salvation through Jesus Christ is offered to everyone—regardless of race, background, or status.
Paul emphasizes that all nations are included in God’s redemptive plan:
God promised Abraham that He would bless all nations through him, not just the Jewish nation (v. 7-9).
Jesus Christ, a direct descendant of Abraham, died for the sins of all people, extending His love and salvation to everyone, not just a particular group.
In verse 28, Paul highlights the unity we have in Christ: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This powerful statement shows that, in Jesus, the things that typically divide us—race, social status, gender—are irrelevant. We are all one in Christ.
Although we may come from different backgrounds, speak different languages, or have different life experiences, we all share one primary need: salvation through Jesus Christ. God does not favor one group over another; He accepts anyone who comes to Him through faith in His Son.
Seeing Through God’s Eyes
As Christians, we are called to rise above stereotypes and see others as God sees them—uniquely made and deeply loved. The unity we find in Christ transcends cultural and social barriers. By viewing people through the lens of God’s love, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships that honor each person’s individuality and reflect the love of Christ.
The Danger of Assumptions
When we rely on assumptions, we unintentionally place people into boxes based on incomplete or inaccurate information, which can prevent us from truly understanding and connecting with them.
Here’s why assumptions are so harmful:
Assumptions Create Barriers to Authentic ConnectionWhen we assume we know something about someone based on their background, appearance, or first impression, we close ourselves off from learning who they truly are. This can lead to shallow or disconnected relationships. Instead of engaging with the person in front of us, we are engaging with our perception of them, which may be far from the truth. Authentic connection requires that we listen, observe, and care about the unique experiences and perspectives of the people we encounter.
Assumptions Lead to MisunderstandingsAssuming you understand someone’s values, beliefs, or needs without taking the time to ask and listen can cause significant misunderstandings. When we make assumptions, we risk offending or alienating others. This is especially dangerous when sharing the gospel. If we assume we know where someone stands spiritually without hearing their story, we might miss the opportunity to share God’s love in a way that resonates with them personally.
Assumptions Undermine TrustTrust is the foundation of any meaningful relationship. When someone feels that you’ve made assumptions about them, especially if those assumptions are negative or limiting, it can damage trust. People want to be seen and valued for who they are.
Assumptions Can Distort the Gospel MessageIf we approach someone with a rigid, one-size-fits-all mindset, we may miss opportunities to address their specific needs or concerns. Paul’s approach in the New Testament shows us that while the gospel message remains unchanged, the way we present it should be adaptable to the person or culture we are engaging. Assumptions can make us less flexible, hindering our ability to communicate the gospel in a way that truly resonates with others.
By putting aside our assumptions and seeking to understand others on a deeper level, we create space for genuine connection and allow the truth of the gospel to shine through, transforming lives in ways we never could have imagined. Sometimes our best tool in evangelism is the ability to listen and ask questions.
At World Changers, we intentionally mix our crews with participants from different groups to encourage this kind of interaction. Students and adults alike are given the opportunity to build connections and engage in conversations with people they might not naturally gravitate towards. This diversity fosters meaningful conversations, breaks down barriers, and reflects the heart of Christ, who calls us to embrace unity and understanding in our mission to share the gospel. By getting to know each other’s stories, we better understand the power of God’s love to transcend differences and bring us together for His purpose.
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