Friday, November 20, 2026

Bible in a Year Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 15-19 | 1 Thessalonians 4

A few years ago, I took an English class at a local university during my lunch break from my insurance job. Dressed in business attire and older than most of the students, I stood out immediately - especially when the professor pointed out that we were the same age. Although I eventually got used to being different from my classmates, being singled out that first day made me feel like I didn't belong.

Experiences like this can create invisible barriers between us and others.

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt out of place? Maybe everyone seemed to know each other, the conversation was already underway, or you weren't quite sure where you fit. Sometimes, all it takes is one person noticing you, making room, and inviting you in to change that experience completely.

Unfortunately, we don't always make it easy for others to feel welcome. We build walls without even realizing it. We stick with people we know, gravitate toward those who think like us, or avoid people whose backgrounds, opinions, or experiences differ from our own. Before we know it, we've created divisions where connection could have been.

But that's not the example Jesus gave us.

Ephesians 2:14
For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

Jesus came to tear down the walls that separated us from God and one another. Throughout his ministry, Jesus consistently moved toward people others overlooked, rejected, or pushed aside. He welcomed outsiders, ate with sinners, touched the untouchable, and gave people a place to belong. He didn't wait for people to fit in before making room for them.

And as followers of Jesus, we're called to do the same.

Maybe there's someone we've kept at a distance. Maybe there's someone who needs us to make room, extend grace, or take the first step toward reconciliation. Whatever the situation, we have an opportunity to follow Jesus' example by moving toward people rather than away from them.

Ultimately, Jesus invites us to be barrier breakers and tear down the walls that divide us, making room for others to belong. Let's follow Jesus' example and make sure the people around us know they matter to us, and they matter to God.

Questions:
When have you felt like an outsider?

What is one practical way you can follow Jesus’ example of breaking down barriers this week?

Next Steps:
Take a moment to notice someone in your daily life who might feel left out or overlooked. Reach out to them with a simple greeting or invitation.

Make an effort to get to know someone whose background, experiences, or perspective is different from your own. Look for opportunities to build a genuine connection rather than letting differences keep you apart.

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for breaking down the walls that separate us. Help me to always see others as you do, and give me the courage to welcome, include, and love those who feel left out. Teach me to be a bridge builder, following your example of grace and acceptance. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Acts 17:28
For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, “We are his offspring.”

Written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content at CedarCreek Church.