AT A recent school assembly I set up a visual aid using around 50 pairs of glasses together with a home-made eye chart, similar to the ones you find at the opticians. I then invited the young people to consider for a moment what it would be like to view things from the perspective of another person.

How does the world look to you? Imagine if you woke up tomorrow to find yourself in another culture, land or strange environment, how would you see things? Would you be more appreciative of difference? Would you attempt to find any common ground or understanding?

The Christian church has for centuries been in the business of communicating its message to various groups, individuals and communities. Across, race, gender and creed its message is one of forgiveness, love, mercy and truth. The God who comes close to us in Jesus meets exactly where we are, right here, right now. He is the God of all time and all places, the God who has promised to walk with us each day of our lives.

Within the New Testament book of Acts there is a story of an evangelist, Phillip, and an Ethiopian treasury official. Their encounter is a fascinating example of a collision of cultures, understandings and backgrounds. Yet its positive outcome becomes possible because Philip begins at the very place where the man happens to be, in his understanding, with his doubts and many questions. There never appears to be a demand by Philip for the man to follow a neat set of ABCs of faith, he simply explains who and what Jesus came to do. By the end of their conversation and journey together the man is convinced and wants to follow for himself.

There are occasions when this will be the same for us, people who want to follow, join with us, share our story. Sometimes these people go on to be part of our lives and in turn we become part of who they are.

Regrettably there are many other occasions when some will walk away, never to agree, never see eye to eye, lost in their own perspective. We have many examples of people who did the same to Jesus both within the New Testament and even today. This must not prevent us from sharing our story. Being open to listen and share with the perspective of others can often be a challenge, there are elements of cost, yet it’s one we need to face for the good of society.

I am extremely grateful for the many different people who share our lives, the people who walk with us each day, not all of them share our beliefs, commitment and zeal for the gospel but we must continue to offer our love, support, care and fellowship.

The Rev Peter Thomas

Minister at Grassington Congregational Church who works part-time for Niscu, Northern Inter Schools Christian Union.