I knew everything I needed to know about gay people. Until I sat with a friend and heard his story. Through our tears, I learned that I didn’t know enough. I didn’t know how much he loved God and had forgotten how much God loved him.
I knew everything I needed to know about addicts. Until I sat with a friend battling addiction and heard her story. I didn’t know how hard she tried to stay clean and how brokenhearted she was every time she failed.
I knew everything I needed to know about convicts. Until I sat around a table in the local jail and heard stories of abuse, addiction, and abandonment. I learned our childhoods and bad choices can quickly lead us down dark roads.
I knew everything I needed to know about welfare recipients until I had to use food stamps. While in college, working all day, and raising kids, I knew the shame. I learned how hard it is to accept help when you need it most.
I knew everything I needed to know about Muslims. Until my college lab partner became a friend. Spending time with him and having him in my home taught me a lot more than I thought. I learned he wasn’t my enemy. He was funny, compassionate, and sincere.
I knew everything I needed to know about people who vote for the other party. Until we talked about what we wanted for our children and grandchildren and realized we all wanted the same things.
I knew everything I needed to know about people who go to that church down the road. Until I knew people in need and that church was very quick to help. I learned we’re all trying to help others get to Heaven.
I knew everything I needed to know about people of color. Until we became friends and talked about Jesus together. Then I heard their stories. Raw and painful and so different from mine but as I listened I learned we’re more alike than different.
Someday we’ll all stand before God. He won’t ask what we think about the other people in our lives, but he may ask us how well we loved them. He may ask why we didn’t take every opportunity to get to know them. He may wonder why we didn’t listen to their stories.
Start today. No excuses. Get to know your neighbor. It’ll make them easier to love.