Breaking Down Barriers

In Acts 11:19–20, we learn that the church at Antioch included both Jews and Gentiles—a radical concept in the first century. Through the power of the gospel, barriers of culture, ethnicity, and tradition were broken down. Barnabas witnessed this and recognized it as evidence of God’s grace. The unity of believers from different backgrounds revealed the transforming work of Christ.
 
Today, the body of Christ is still called to that same unity. Yet, we often allow differences—political, cultural, or personal—to divide us. The gospel calls us to something higher. When we truly live in the grace of God, we learn to value people not for how similar they are to us, but for how deeply they are loved by God. 

Like Barnabas, we must be willing to enter spaces where division exists and become instruments of peace. This takes humility, patience, and dependence on the Holy Spirit. Unity in Christ is not uniformity; it’s the beauty of diverse hearts worshiping one Savior.
 
Scripture:
Galatians 3:28 - There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
 
Application:
Reach out to someone who is different from you—culturally, socially, or spiritually. Listen to their story with grace. Pray for unity in the church and community.
 
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You tore down every wall that separated us from You and from one another. Teach me to see every person through Your eyes of love. Help me be a bridge of grace and truth wherever division tries to take root. Amen.