Commonality over Differences

Looking for commonalities over differences gives us a basis to work from in understanding ours and other's beliefs. Finding those things which you can agree upon will give a sense of comradery to the relationship and therefore establish groundwork for understanding, or at least accepting, the differences.

As a pastor I am often frustrated that churches seem to be competing with each other and dividing themselves along the lines of their differences. I have often challenged other pastors and congregations to worry less about what divides us and instead focus on what we have in common. This same philosophy can apply in school and in work. In the end we will get a lot more done and hopefully grow in our ethical understandings.