The love of God is compelling. His love can overcome all differences between believers. It can drive us to brave and heroic deeds to reach those who do not yet know God. We spend our lives building walls out of fear and insecurity. In the safety of God's love, He now asks us to tear those walls down, often with people who make us uncomfortable.

The Jews and the Samaritans did not get along. They hated each other. The Lord led the early church in Jerusalem to minister to and love the Samaritans. They were willing to lay down their lives and reach out to others. God did incredible things in Samaria and beyond. What will the Lord do through us if we are willing to reach outside our social groups? Stretch outside of your comfort zone and see what the Lord does on the outside, and be amazed at what He does on the inside.

The Bible says, in Romans 8:38-39, For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV)

Life Lesson: We should love one another, including other people groups.

Lord,
You alone see the fears inside me. I ask You to help me love others. Help me reach out to others who are just as scared as I am. Because You love me, I know I can love others. You tell us to do this, so Lord, I need Your help. Strengthen me to love others amid a cold, dark, and bitter world. May that light shine like a beacon of hope to all who see it and stand as a witness to Your love for the world.
In Jesus' name. Amen.

Living to tell what He died to say,
Pastor David McGee

Senior Pastor
The Bridge
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