Accepting Everyone:)

Being on a college campus such as St. Cloud you get a sense of how much diversity is going to be around you everyday in the real world. We have a whole dorm that is only for international students and many cultural experiences and presentations around campus. Some you can tell really throw themselves in the whole mix really trying to learn as much as they can about the different cultures and traditions, and others not so much. The weird thing about the school being so diverse is that it is thrown in the middle of one of the most known racist cities. I think this is why both our international and our Minnesotan residents have a hard time accepting each other. They are all from two different worlds. But since this is college and we are all suppose to try to be adults, I think it is ridiculous the way some people treat each other. God calls us to be accepting and loving to everyone!

The hard thing is that its not just accepting peoples cultures but also accepting peoples views. The way I see it is that when trying to spread the word about Jesus Christ some people end up ruining their chances. They start out being too judgmental. Kids in college that have questions about Jesus are already scared enough asking you about him. They have no idea where to begin. You have to meet the more then half way. I found that out this week in more then one way. A lesson I have learned and still struggle with is to not just surround yourself with just Christians to help your walk with the Lord easier, you should be friends with non- Christians as well to help your walk grow with the Lord. God wants you to be friends with who you are attracted to be with, who meshes well with you.

Romans 14:1
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Titus 3:5

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

Yes sometimes it is hard, but God puts you in those situations for a reason. Its easier to live for him when your with church friends all the time, but go out and meet new people, you will surprise yourself, you meet amazing people, and you can see Jesus working his way through your friendship everyday even if it is just for a moment every once in a while. This is a hard topic I feel especially when in college to talk about, but I just felt it on my heart this morning. I hope you have a great day!

<3 ~ Hannah