Connection Across Barriers

October 1, 2024 10:45 PM
Connection Across Barriers
“When we know ourselves to be connected to all others, acting compassionately is simply the natural thing to do.” - Rachel Naomi Remen
BREAKING THE ICE

Have you ever had to (or chosen to) overcome a physical barrier (like a barricade, fence, or creek) to get to the other side of something? What was that like? What has your experience with such barriers been like? 

REFLECTION

In our lives, we often encounter barriers—whether they are cultural, racial, emotional, or spiritual. These barriers can prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God’s love and the unity He desires for us. Jesus, through His sacrifice, broke down the ultimate barrier between humanity and God, and He calls us to do the same in our relationships with others.

Consider the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-9). Despite the cultural and social barriers that existed between Jews and Samaritans, Jesus reached out to her, offering her the living water of eternal life. This act of breaking down barriers not only transformed her life but also brought many others to faith.

Time and again, Jesus and his disciples modeled community that broke down barriers. They loved each other and interacted with the entire community -- no one was excluded. Jesus loved and taught his disciples to love those who considered themselves religious as well as those who were considered the worst sinners, outside of God’s love and care. Loving all and the complete lack of barriers were as foreign to the Jews in Jesus’ day as it is to us today. Jesus knew that we would struggle with each other, and some would be more difficult to love than others.
Yet, the Christian life is not a solitary one! We’re all in this together. We were created to be in relationship with God and one another. Jesus was very clear about this in his reply to the question, “What is the greatest commandment?” He replied, “You shall love God with all your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself!” (Matthew 22:34 - 40) As far as Jesus is concerned, we must learn not only to get along with one another but also to find ways to break down the barriers or walls that keep us from loving one another well in all circumstances. We are called to love the unlovely, have yielding and forgiving hearts, and see value and purpose in all. This is how we please God.
If you have any specific barriers you’re dealing with, feel free to reach out to me, and we can discuss ways to address them together.
WRESTLING WITH THE WORD

Read Ephesians 2:11 - 22 (The Message)

  1. According to this passage, what are the ways that Christ breaks down barriers?
  2. According to this passage, in what ways is Christ our peace?
  3. How does the image of being “the holy temple” (v. 21) bridge barriers?
NEXT STEPS
  1. Do you see yourself primarily as a “citizen” or an alien/stranger? How does that relationship contribute to the feeling of isolation that you or others may feel?
  2. What kinds of barriers do you perceive among people now? Which ones most affect you and your own connections with others?
  3. In the face of the barriers we face, what does it mean for Jesus to be our peace?
LISTEN
"Mending Wall" by Robert Frost
TAKE ACTION

Identify one barrier in your life—whether it’s a strained relationship, a prejudice, or a fear—and take a step towards breaking it down. This could be through a conversation, an act of kindness, or simply praying for the person or situation involved.

PRAYER

Lord, help me to see the barriers in my life that need to be broken down. Give me the courage to reach out to others, just as Jesus did, and to share Your love and grace. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be a vessel of peace and unity in a divided world. Amen.

ADDITIONAL READING
  • Leviticus 19:33-34
  • Ezekiel 47:13-23
  • Numbers 15:11-16
  • Deuteronomy 10:12-22
  • Deuteronomy 23:15-16
  • Hebrews 13:1-3