Iran: Faith reflection

Jesus gathered his followers around him and taught them some difficult lessons: “If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?” (Matthew 5:46a, 47a)

It’s easy to talk with those with whom we have much in common. But Jesus continually showed us a different way. Although he was strongly criticized for it, he talked with people across the religious and social spectrum.

One time Jesus engaged in a long conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well (John 4). The conversation was controversial for many reasons lost to us in our current culture: a Jew talking to a Samaritan, and a man addressing an unknown woman in public. But through their encounter a most unlikely bridge was built.

We in the church need to model a willingness to take uncomfortable risks. This can take many forms, but it includes developing relationships with those from “enemy nations” through delegations and learning tours and other kinds of encounters.

In these encounters, it is important to be clear about who we are and what we bring to the conversation. But we must also be willing to listen respectfully and learn from the one with whom we are interacting.

In a similar way, we can encourage our government to take part in diplomatic negotiations with countries with whom we disagree, not only those nations we consider “friendly.”