When did it become acceptable to be horrible to each other? At the time of writing, party political adverts are popping through the door and popping up on social media, pundits are making pronouncements on the TV and radio, and so often people are demonising some group or other that they hardly know. By contrast I’ve found that getting to know people who are different from myself in background or opinion makes life much more interesting. It doesn’t hurt to have my own views challenged. Whether I change my mind or become more confirmed in what I think, at least I’ll be acting on the basis of deeper knowledge rather than prejudice.

The Bible is full of practical advice for people from different cultures trying to muddle on together in what were then brand-new churches. One such line is ‘Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.’ Whether we’re crossing continents or trying to put up with the people next door, it’s good advice for us too.

Services in Barmston Church in May:

Sunday 5th May – Holy Communion at 9.30 am.

Sunday 12th May – Family Service at 4.00 pm.

Sunday 19th May – Holy Communion at 9.30 am.

Our weekly services on Sundays at Emmanuel are at 11.00 and are livestreamed on our Facebook page and are available shortly afterwards on YouTube.