Every individual face different battles. Some are big while others are small, almost ignorable, yet they all shape who we are. And trials come in various forms, whether internal struggles with faith, external conflicts with society, or even simple, everyday challenges. Each battle, however small or large, is significant in God’s eyes because it molds our character and strengthens our reliance on Him.
One day, while I was on my way to a friend’s house, I took the metro and stood near the door. At one of the stops, two girls entered. They hesitated at the door, their eyes scanning the passengers before stepping in. Their uncertainty was evident—perhaps they weren’t sure if they had entered the right train. But what caught my attention even more than their doubtful expressions was their contrasting dress sense. Though I’m not one to judge people based on their clothing, these two stood out remarkably.
One wore a skirt that barely reached the middle of her thighs, paired with a fitted top. She exuded confidence, her posture straight, her chin slightly lifted. The other, in stark contrast, wore a long skirt that covered her ankles. Their fashion choices suggested they came from entirely different backgrounds, perhaps even different belief systems. Yet, they were clearly close friends, talking and giggling as if they had known each other forever.
This stark difference made me reflect on how we often judge people based on their outward appearances. If I had seen these two separately, I might have assumed they had nothing in common. But here they were, engaged in lively conversation, their friendship unaffected by their outward contrasts. It reminded me of how we, as believers, sometimes fall into the trap of defining people by what they wear, how they speak, or what lifestyle they follow.
We are called to love and accept others regardless of their differences. Romans 14:13 reminds us, “Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.”
These two girls, though outwardly opposite, had found common ground. Perhaps their connection went deeper than superficial preferences. Maybe one struggled with societal expectations while the other battled the constraints of traditional values. Whatever their individual challenges were, they had chosen friendship over judgment.
As I continued watching them, I wondered how they navigated their differences.
Did they debate over personal choices, or did they accept each other as they were? Did they struggle to find harmony in their opposing worldviews?
And then I thought about the battles we all face—not just in fashion, but in faith, relationships, and self-identity. How often do we judge others for not meeting our expectations? How often do we dismiss someone’s struggles just because they don’t align with our own?
As Christians, we are called to show grace. Jesus Himself spent time with people from all walks of life—tax collectors, fishermen, the poor, and even the rich. He did not choose His friends based on their status or outward appearance, but rather on the condition of their hearts. He looked past the differences and saw what truly mattered.
The world today is filled with such stark contrasts, much like these two girls. Some people embrace modernity with open arms, while others hold firmly to tradition. Some prioritize self-expression, while others value modesty and restraint. Some are confident in their faith, while others waver. Yet, in God’s kingdom, these external differences do not define us. What truly defines us is our relationship with Christ and our ability to love others despite our disagreements.
The story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) came to mind. The Samaritan and the wounded man were from different backgrounds, yet it was the Samaritan who showed kindness when others walked away. He did not let cultural or societal differences dictate his actions. Instead, he demonstrated God’s love in a tangible way. This is what we are called to do—to see beyond the exterior and love as Christ loves.
Life is full of battles—some personal, some communal. Some people struggle with faith, others with self-worth. Some battle with external judgments, while others wrestle with inner turmoil. Our differences don’t have to divide us. If anything, they can bring us closer together, teaching us patience, acceptance, and the value of seeing beyond what is visible.
But no matter the struggle, one thing remains true: God sees our hearts. He knows our battles, and He walks with us through them all.
After the girls alighted from the train, I smiled within as it reminds me once again that in God’s eyes, we are all His children—different yet deeply loved, battling in our own ways but never alone.
The world may categorize us by our differences, but God calls us to unity. He calls us to see beyond what is visible, to love without conditions, and to walk alongside each other in faith. And perhaps, just like those two girls, we can find harmony in the midst of our contrasts, choosing friendship over division, love over judgment, and Christ above all else.