Recently, controversy has been brewing over Chick-fil-A’s hiring of a diversity, equity, and inclusion officer, leading some Christians to boycott the popular fast-food chain.

But is this really a stance that aligns with the teachings of Jesus?

One of the key principles of Christianity is to love your neighbor as yourself. But can we truly love our neighbors if we’re not willing to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion? After all, isn’t God a diverse creator who made each of us unique in our own way? And if God loves all of his children equally, why can’t we do the same?

When it comes to equity and inclusion, Jesus was a champion for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. He spent his life serving those who society deemed as outcasts — lepers, tax collectors, prostitutes, and the like. He didn’t discriminate based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Instead, he preached about the importance of lifting up the least of these and showing compassion to all.

If your faith leads you to exclude rather than include, it is not a Christlike faith. Jesus was inclusive to a level that made religious leaders and some of his disciples uncomfortable. Do you want to be like Jesus or like the pharisees? I need not tell you which of those two was inclusive and which was exclusive.

One of the most famous lines of the New Testament is John 3:16 — “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Note the keyword here: whoever. God’s love is all-encompassing and available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

So if Jesus valued diversity, equity, and inclusion, why shouldn’t we as Christians share the same values as the person who’s name we bear?

We should follow Jesus’ example and strive to love our neighbors unconditionally, just as he loved us. And if that means embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, then so be it.