We believe that God created each and every one of us purposefully unique. We believe that our uniqueness allows us to have divergent passions, points of view and beliefs. Is it possible that God’s design also purposely allows each of us to interpret the exact same ‘thing’, whether it be an experience, a conversation, scripture, etc, in very different and often opposite ways?

This has puzzled me for quite some time.

Isaiah tells us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways – oracle of the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” (Is 55:8-9)

There are people very close to me where this is our reality. We both claim our divergent views and beliefs to be by the grace of God through our faith and prayer. When we are on opposite ends of an issue it really does not make sense!

So, perhaps these extreme differences exist to remind us that we cannot do it on our own; we need God! We need to know God, know Christ and truly open ourselves to the workings and transformation of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is brought in and asked to guide us in these conversations and interactions, ‘my people’ and I are better able to voice our beliefs calmly in a matter-of-fact manner and we are better able to actively listen to the other’s perspective. This helps us to be open to learn more about the other person and what all goes into forming their belief. We may not change each other’s mind, but it helps us keep our relationship healthy and respectful and find common ground! We always seem to have more in common than our differences.

Remaining calm in some of these conversations is not always easy. (My dad seems to take the ‘Italian passion’ to a whole other level.) There have been ‘opportunities’ like this over the years at my various places of work, school, social situations and in my parish. It continues to be quite a long learning curve for me, but I keep getting better at it! This growth would never happen on my own. It has only been possible by continuing to develop my prayer life, read Holy Scripture and let God’s Word permeate my very being. Oh, and learning to be still and silent so I can hear God’s voice.

Maybe these ‘opportunities’ are something like ‘The Tower of Babel’, but with our thoughts, ideas and beliefs rather than our literal language. Maybe we need these divergent beliefs and passions as catalysts to stop, breathe, pray and listen to one another to find our common ground so we can move forward, together, building the Kingdom of God. We need this now more than ever.

-Adele DiNatale-Svetnicka