Day 11: Crossing Boundaries

Focus Area - REACH OUT
Stretching Toward Others

Scriptures: John 4:7-30 (NLT)

Reflection: Reaching out requires going first; it means crossing boundaries even when you would rather stay comfortably  in place.

Expanded Focus:
The first time I heard that my family was moving from innercity Detroit to the Sunshine State, as you can imagine, my initial thought was Disney, beaches, and water parks. When we arrived, I quickly realized the Gulf Coast had much more to offer than beaches and the infamous Destin Big Kahunas.  Moving from one state to another felt like crossing boundaries, and that crossing made me see Florida differently. This crossing also evolved my former relationship with where I had come from.

In Detroit, I spent time with people who looked like me. My schools, church, and inner circle all reflected my own preferences, and I was comfortable. But God wanted to give me a new perspective. As the hands and feet of Jesus, our faith journey leads us to reach beyond familiar places and accept those we once overlooked.

In John 4:7-30, we see Jesus look past the Samaritan woman's faults and reveal who He is to her. Culturally, a Jewish man would have nothing to do with a Samaritan woman, yet the love of Jesus crossed that boundary. If we are going to be a church that reaches out, we must be willing to be like Jesus and go forth, seeing others as God sees them.

To reach out, we must guard our hearts against offense and focus on unity. People may have hurt you, said hateful things, or have opposing political or social views—but go anyway. Go because God asks you to. Sometimes God sends us first to challenge false narratives, like they are too far gone.  Some people may ignore our invitations and flyers, but will respond to our love. From afar, they may see the church as a place of judgment or shame; we must offer a new narrative. We must show God's love. Let’s move beyond our comfort and reach out, letting the “other” know God loves unconditionally.

Questions to Consider:

1. Who are the "Samaritans" in your life that you instinctively avoid, and how can you reach out to them this week?
2. What are some things you can change to ensure your life reflects a message of welcome instead of judgment to those who are different from you?
3. Where is God asking you to stop waiting for an invitation and instead be the one to "go first" in showing love?