It’s too easy to look at people and notice their differences. Kids notice what others look like, what they’re wearing, their demeanor, or what they’re doing. They’re quick to observe how much someone is like them or how they’re different. You can help kids develop a habit of looking past differences and seeing people as God sees them. 
Let’s look at three differences kids need to develop the habit of looking past.
It’s important for kids to know how to look past physical appearances. All people look different. It’s one way that makes us unique. Help kids appreciate those differences. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “…man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” How someone looks does not directly relate to qualities that are far more important in a good friend—like being kind and honest. Don’t allow kids to pick on someone because of their looks or be in awe of someone’s good looks. 
Clothing styles can also be a BIG hangup. Kids can constantly look each other up and down even though they all work really hard at trying to look like they didn’t work really hard. Try to help your kids not contribute to all the angst about clothing among their peers.
It’s important for kids to know how to look past disagreements. All kids don’t act or react the same way. They have different likes and dislikes, different beliefs and values. These differences can lead to frustration and arguments. Kids need to learn it’s okay to disagree and just overlook some things. It’s good to talk about disagreements, but arguing is not productive. Help kids to develop the habit of being a peacemaker. We don’t want kids to approve of bad behavior or accept lies as truth. But they can learn to state their disagreement pleasantly and then act in a way that shows love for people, even those who are living in a way that doesn’t please God. 
A big way to show love is to invite others to join them in something so they don’t feel shunned after your child has stated the truth. Another way to show love is to look for something positive and give a compliment or word of personal acceptance to soften the sting of disagreement and lower defensiveness. Help kids remember God’s love for difficult people and pray for them to learn about Jesus and come to follow Him. When kids feel frustration with others, teach them to ask God to change their own heart to feel compassion and love.
Some kids can be a frequent annoyance to others with poor behavior. These types of disagreements can be much more difficult to deal with. Help kids understand where bad behavior comes from. All people are born sinners, wanting their own way and not God’s way. Some kids have been taught right from wrong, but others may be living in a very difficult situation of abuse or neglect, or mainly see negative examples of how to act. They might even have a physical or neurological challenge. All kids need a friend who will love them unconditionally. 
Kids may also need intervention. Encourage kids to share if someone is hurting them or if they know someone who is in trouble. Explain that helping others get the help they need is a way of showing love. 
It’s important for kids to know how to look past others’ strengths and weaknesses. Kids can easily idolize others who do something well. Or they may become jealous, wishing they were that good. Help kids to recognize everyone has different strengths and weaknesses—that’s a part of what makes them unique. Rather than pointing out someone’s weaknesses or making a big deal over someone’s strengths, help kids appreciate the different gifts and abilities others have. Point to God’s creativity in giving people different gifts that they can use to serve Him in different ways.
You can teach kids to not let differences get in the way of them loving others. To God, every person was individually worth dying for—regardless of looks, abilities or behavior.  His immediate response was and is love. Kids can do the same!