In a world often divided by differences, it’s easy to forget that we were created for connection. Yet, as we journey through life, we often find ourselves building barriers that prevent us from truly connecting with others. These barriers, whether conscious or unconscious, can hinder our relationships and our spiritual growth. Today, let’s explore the importance of breaking down these barriers and embracing the unity that God intends for us.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, addresses this very issue. He reminds the Gentile believers of their former state, separated from Christ and alienated from the commonwealth of Israel. They were “strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). This stark reminder serves to highlight the transformative power of Christ’s work in bringing those who were once far off near to God.

But why did this separation exist in the first place? The root of this division goes back centuries, to God’s covenant with Abraham. God promised to make Abraham’s descendants a great nation, to bless them and make their name great. However, there was a crucial purpose behind this blessing: “so that you will be a blessing” and “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Genesis 12:2-3). 

Unfortunately, over time, the Israelites began to cling to the promise while forgetting its purpose. They turned inward, building barriers to separate themselves from those they were meant to bless. This serves as a poignant reminder for us today. How often do we hold onto God’s promises for ourselves while neglecting our purpose to be a blessing to others?

The good news is that Jesus came to break down these dividing walls. Paul declares, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has torn down the barriers that separate us from God and from one another. He has made peace, creating “in himself one new humanity in place of the two, thus making peace” (Ephesians 2:15).

This reconciliation is not something we can achieve on our own. No matter how hard we try, we cannot bridge the gap that sin has created. But Jesus has already done the work for us. He has made it possible for all people, regardless of their background, to draw near to God. There are no longer “haves” and “have-nots” in God’s kingdom. All are invited to experience His grace and love.

However, we must be careful not to erect new barriers in place of the old ones. It’s not our place to decide who is worthy of God’s grace or who belongs in His family. Jesus’ ministry was one of radical inclusion, often spending time with those deemed “undesirable” by society. He ate with sinners and tax collectors, called fishermen and zealots to be His disciples, and showed compassion to the marginalized and overlooked.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this new identity and purpose. We are “no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). This identity is not based on what we can do for God, but on who we are as His beloved children. Just as the Father declared His love for Jesus before He began His ministry, so too does He declare His love for us, not because of our actions, but because of our inherent worth as His creation.

With this new identity comes a responsibility to share the good news with our neighbors and to tear down any barriers that might prevent others from experiencing God’s love. The gospel we proclaim should bring people together, not drive them apart. It should offer hope to the hopeless, humility to the proud, and connection to the isolated.

So, how can we live out this calling in our daily lives? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Develop self-awareness: Reflect on your own biases and prejudices. Are there any groups of people you tend to avoid or judge? Ask God to help you see others as He sees them.

2. Build bridges, not walls: Look for opportunities to connect with people who are different from you. Engage in conversations, listen to their stories, and seek to understand their perspectives.

3. Extend grace: Remember that we all fall short of God’s glory. Instead of judging others, offer the same grace and forgiveness that God has extended to you.

4. Share the good news: Look for ways to make the gospel accessible to everyone. This might mean adjusting your language, being patient with questions, or simply living out your faith in a way that attracts others to Christ.

5. Pray for unity: Ask God to break down barriers in your community and in the wider world. Pray for healing where there is division and for love to overcome fear and hatred.

As we embrace God’s vision for unity, we become living testimonies to the reconciling power of the gospel. We are called to be a people who bring hope, foster connection, and demonstrate the transformative love of Christ to a world in desperate need of it.

Let us challenge ourselves this week to examine our hearts and actions. Where have we been guilty of building barriers? How can we actively work to tear them down and bring people together in the name of Christ? As we do so, may we always remember our purpose as we hold to God’s promises, becoming the blessing to others that He has called us to be.