Inclusivity is a key aspect of Christianity, but it’s not always easy to put into practice. It’s about making everyone feel welcome, irrespective of their race, gender, or beliefs.
Being an inclusive Christian means allowing others to make their own choices while guiding them with love and understanding.
To help you become a more inclusive Christian, I’ve compiled a list of 9 practices you can start implementing today.
Each of these practices is designed to help you approach your faith in a more accepting and loving way. And remember, it’s not about changing others’ beliefs, but about sharing your love and understanding with them.
1) Practice active listening
Listening is a fundamental aspect of inclusivity. It’s not just about hearing words, but truly understanding the perspective of the other person.
We often underestimate the power of giving someone our undivided attention. By truly listening, you are saying, “I value your viewpoint.”
Think about your conversations. Are you really listening to understand? Or are you just waiting for your turn to speak?
Active listening is about taking the time to understand and empathize with others. It’s about giving them the space to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
This practice is essential for any Christian wanting to be more inclusive. It allows you to understand people’s different experiences and perspectives, fostering deeper connections and mutual respect.
Remember, Jesus listened to everyone he met, regardless of their social status or background. Following his example of active listening can help us become more inclusive in our daily lives.
2) Embrace diversity
One personal example that comes to mind is my experience with a church book club I was part of a few years ago.
We were a close-knit group, but mostly made up of people who looked and thought like me. One day, a new member joined us – Mark. He was from a different racial background and had quite different views on theology.
Initially, I must admit, I found our discussions more challenging. Mark’s different perspective made me question my own beliefs. But instead of retreating into my comfort zone, I chose to embrace this diversity.
I began to see that our differences strengthened our discussions and enriched our group. Our understanding of the scriptures deepened as we explored them from various perspectives.
That’s when I truly understood the importance of embracing diversity. It was a turning point for me as a Christian.
Embracing diversity isn’t always comfortable, but it’s an integral part of being an inclusive Christian. It allows us to learn from others’ experiences and grow in our faith.
3) Love without judgment
It’s often said that love is at the heart of Christianity, and that’s true. But it’s not just about loving those who are like us. It’s also about loving those who are different from us, without passing judgment.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This statement isn’t just about refraining from negative judgments; it’s also about refraining from making assumptions based on our own perspectives.
Did you know that the human brain makes a judgment about someone within one-tenth of a second of seeing them for the first time? That’s faster than a blink of an eye!
The challenge for us as Christians is to counteract this natural tendency and to love others without judgment. This practice can be difficult, but it’s a vital part of becoming a more inclusive Christian.
4) Cultivate humility
Humility, the act of putting others before ourselves, is at the core of being an inclusive Christian. It’s about acknowledging that we don’t have all the answers and that we can learn from others.
Remember, Christ washed the feet of His disciples, an act of profound humility. He taught us that no one is above serving others.
Practising humility means being open to the possibility that our beliefs and assumptions may not always be right. It means being willing to listen, learn and grow.
In a world where people often strive to be the loudest voice in the room, cultivating humility can be a powerful way to demonstrate an inclusive spirit. It shows respect for others’ viewpoints and fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
5) Show empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, attempting to see the world from their perspective.
As Christians, we are called to “rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn.” This simple yet profound command encourages us to connect with others on an emotional level.
Practicing empathy can be challenging, especially when we are interacting with people who have vastly different experiences or viewpoints. But it’s a critical step in becoming more inclusive.
By showing empathy, we communicate to others that we value their experiences and emotions. It creates a safe space for individuals to express themselves, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance.
6) Extend forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful expressions of love and acceptance. It’s a cornerstone of Christianity, central to our understanding of God’s love for us.
Yet, extending forgiveness can be one of the hardest things we do. It involves letting go of hurt and resentment, even when it feels unjust or undeserved.
But here’s the thing: forgiveness isn’t just about the other person. It’s also about freeing ourselves from the burden of carrying resentment and anger.
When we choose to forgive, we create an environment of acceptance and inclusivity. We signal to others that mistakes and misunderstandings don’t have to lead to permanent divisions.
In the act of forgiving, we echo God’s boundless mercy, creating a more inclusive space, not only within our hearts but also within our communities.
7) Practice patience
Patience is something I’ve always struggled with. I can’t count the number of times I’ve found myself frustrated or irritated when things didn’t go according to plan.
But over the years, I’ve learned that patience is more than just a virtue—it’s a practice. A practice that requires constant effort and intentional action.
Being an inclusive Christian means being patient with others, especially when their beliefs or actions may differ from ours. It means giving people the time they need to grow and evolve, just as we need time to do the same.
Even when it’s challenging, we must remember that everyone is on their own journey. Patience allows us to support others on their path, fostering inclusivity and understanding along the way.
8) Be open-minded
Open-mindedness is a key ingredient of inclusivity. It’s about being receptive to new ideas and perspectives, even if they challenge our own beliefs or comfort zones.
In our faith journey, being open-minded doesn’t mean compromising our core beliefs. Instead, it’s about understanding that there’s more than one way to interpret the world around us.
Just as a prism refracts light into various colors, our life experiences refract truth into various interpretations. Being open-minded allows us to appreciate these different interpretations, fostering a more inclusive approach to our faith.
By practicing open-mindedness, we can create a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and accepted. It’s a way of embodying Jesus’s teachings of love and acceptance for all.
9) Lead by example
Ultimately, the most powerful way to foster inclusivity is to lead by example. It’s about showing others through our actions what it means to be an inclusive Christian.
Our actions speak louder than our words. When we listen without judgment, embrace diversity, extend forgiveness, and practice patience, we demonstrate what inclusivity looks like in practice.
Being an inclusive Christian isn’t just about accepting others; it’s about actively creating a space where everyone feels valued and accepted. And the best way to create this space is to lead by example, embodying the principles of inclusivity in our everyday lives.
Final reflection: It’s all about love
The essence of being a more inclusive Christian can be distilled into one simple yet profound concept: Love.
The command to love one another is a recurring theme in the Bible, mentioned no less than 96 times.
This love is not selective or conditional; it’s a love that embraces everyone, irrespective of their race, gender, beliefs, or background.
Being an inclusive Christian means embodying this universal love in our daily interactions. It means welcoming diversity, practicing empathy, and extending forgiveness, even when it’s difficult.
As we reflect on these practices, let us remember the words of Saint Paul in his letter to the Corinthians: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
Inclusivity is much more than just a practice; it’s a way of living out our faith with love. And if we truly aspire to be more inclusive Christians, it all starts and ends with love.
What would Jesus say?
Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?
Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.
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