Gò0dNews for Everyone
Who Calls You Friend?
O
by Shelly McClanahan
ne of my favorite memories from my time as
Many times, in the Bible, we’re urged to come to the
an English as a second language (ESL) teacher
aid of foreigners in our land (Deuteronomy 10:19, Matthew
is from when I taught first grade. On the
25:40, Romans 12:13). There are many ways to do this:
playground, two little boys approached the bench where
● Volunteer in a local adult ESL class. Maybe your
the teachers sat. One was a first generation American-born
church has one. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching,
boy of Asian descent who was fluent in English, the other a
you could help with childcare or provide snacks.
recent immigrant from South America who had just learned to say hello. With a big grin beneath his round glasses, the Asian student proclaimed “We’re best friends! I don’t know what he’s saying, but we’re best friends!” Then they ran off to play. We sometimes steer clear of those who are different from us. Fear may keep us from building relationships. We’re not sure what to say, or if we’ll be understood. Other times, it’s the busyness of life that keeps us from knowing our neighbors. Taking care of our own needs and the needs of our family can be time consuming. But God made us to be in relationship with others, not only to glorify Him and make Him known, but also for our own good. We see examples of this in the Bible. The good Samaritan is just one example of showing friendship to those who are different from you. Perhaps the most
● Get to know a neighbor or coworker who is new to your area. Invite them to your church, or for a meal in your home. ● Be open to learning about other cultures. Attend
amazing friendship of all is between us and Jesus. Yes,
events that highlight the different cultures in your
He calls us friends! In John 15:15, Jesus says “I no longer
area. Be aware of who lives around you, and what
call you servants, because a servant does not know his
specific needs they might have.
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
It is our privilege to get to know our neighbors who
everything that I learned from my Father I have made
have different life experiences and perspectives from our
known to you” (NIV).
own. God can and does orchestrate encounters for us to
Who could be more different than the omniscient God
show friendship. Let’s be ready for them.
of the universe and us—flawed, sinful beings, blatantly an effort to know us. Jesus shows us the perfect example of befriending those who are different from us.
30 // February 2022
About The Author
opposed to Him at times. And yet He still makes more than
Shelly McClanahan has worked as both an ESL teacher and ESL Program Coordinator in public schools in the United States and in international schools in Albania, South Korea, and England. She has also taught adult ESL in church programs in Tennessee and Georgia. She currently teaches middle school ESL near Nashville.
