DB #6 – There are no barriers in love of God

Seokwoo Lee
DB #6 – There are no barriers in love of God
COLLAPSE

Tia-Toomey and Chung define ethic as “a set of standards that upholds the
community’s expectations concerning “right” and “wrong” conduct.”[1] In other
words, most of conflicts among different ethnic groups as caused by judging each
other’s cultures through their own lenses. This is normal, but also hard to be fixed
because of people’s tendency of getting comfortable within their own culture while
they are building fences around them – it often leads them to develop a mindset of
ethnocentrism. Once ethnocentrism takes place in their hearts, it is almost impossible
to not only understand each other, but also get united as the Body of Christ.
There is only way to resolve this issue and fulfill the Great Commission in
cross-cultural ministry – developing healthy and godly cultures based on biblical
worldview. True biblical worldview would help us to eliminate pride and ego so we
would be able to look at other cultures through the lens of the Gospel. Therefore, the
biblical worldview should be casted based on the grace and love of God that are
lavished upon us even though we do not deserve them (1 John 3:1).
Based on my experiences, I truly believe that love is the key to unite people in
Christ and to soften their hearts to see Jesus. If we do not truly love others, we cannot
serve them correctly. If we do not serve them correctly, we cannot get harmonized.
This is a simple principle but often neglected because sometimes we are so wired in
strategical thoughts and planning. It is normally to think in those areas, but the
motivation and passion should start from our heart, not our head. When our
motivation is from our heart, our plans and strategies would become more effective.
Our ministries would be more fruitful.
Love and grace of God are equal to everyone. He does not care about cultural
difference, language or colors of our skin. He cares about what is inside of us and
calls us to be his sons and daughters, citizens of heaven. Once we understand our true
identity, we would start seeing others in the same way. We would look at what is
inside of them and stop focusing on “difference” itself. We would be able to treat
them like brothers and sisters in the same family. We would appreciate the difference
and try to get harmonized by loving each other. We would be able to reflect the
Kingdom of God by loving each other like God loves us. This is what the Lord has
taught me through this class, as well as through godly people around me. I hope and

pray that we will reflect the love of God in our ministries. I also pray that the Lord
give you wisdom and strength as you serve people with different cultural backgrounds
in your ministry. May God continuously bless you, protect you and provide what you
need.