Scripture Readings: Acts 11:1-18 and John 13:31–35
Have you ever stood at the edge of a boundary – perhaps not a physical one, but an invisible one between “us” and “them”? A line that someone else drew or maybe one we drew ourselves.
In today’s world, barriers can emerge quickly – across cultures, ideologies, races, traditions, and even with the churches. However, this morning, God’s Word speaks to us with power and tenderness, reminding us that God’s grace knows no boundaries, and that our highest calling is to love without borders. Let us open our hearts as we listen to the boundary-breaking grace of God and the call to love like Jesus.
In Acts 11:1-18, the early church struggled with a surprising and uncomfortable reality: that Gentiles – those long considered outsiders – were receiving the Word of God and the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had. When Peter returned to Jerusalem, he had to explain himself. He recounted the vision he received from God, the voice from heaven, and the undeniable evidence of the Holy Spirit at work beyond the boundaries the early believers had assumed.
This is a story of God’s grace that reaches all people. At a moment of physical hunger, Peter receives a vision of unclean animals and hears the divine command: “Get up and eat.” Clinging to custom and tradition, Peter protests: “Surely not, Lord!” But the voice replies, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This exchange happens three times, underscoring how deeply God was challenging Peter – not just to see food differently, but to see people differently.
Peter’s transformation didn’t come easily. Like many of us, he was shaped by ingrained beliefs, religious tradition, and cultural boundaries. But through the vision, the voice, and the unmistakable presence of the Holy Spirit, Peter came to a turning point. He declared: “When we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God’s way?” (v.17). That means how could I have gone against God? At that moment, Peter realized that God’s grace is not limited by human prejudice or custom. And neither should ours be.
The Holy Spirit is for all people. (vv. 15–17) The same Spirit who fell on the disciples at Pentecost also comes upon the Gentiles. God’s presence confirms God’s approval and acceptance of all believers. There are times when we fail to listen to the Lord’s voice as He speaks to us today for this age, but may we believe that God’s Spirit was poured out on people beyond the boundaries of race, religion, or heritage.
In verse 18, the early Jewish Christians respond with praise rather than resistance, acknowledging God’s salvation for the Gentiles. God’s grace is bigger than our categories. His salvation is not just for people who look or think like us. God is doing something new – and often in people we least expect. When God comes to us anew, when He speaks a new word for our time, may we be the ones who meet Him, listen to Him, and do what He says.
Acts 11 shows God breaking cultural and religious boundaries to include Gentiles. God’s grace breaks barriers, and the Spirit empowers inclusion. Acts show a new phase in the church’s mission. Just as the early church embraced the Gentiles, we are called to embrace all people.
John 13 teaches that love should define us – reaching beyond comfort zones and categories. John reveals a new commandment for a new community shaped by Jesus. And the Holy spirit and love work together in our lives. In John 13:31–35, Once Judas had left, the Lord could speak to the remaining eleven about his glorification. He speaks of His impending crucifixion as an act of glorification. God’s glory is revealed through self-giving love.
As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He didn’t offer a strategy or plan for growth – He gave them a command that would define their lives and the witness of the Church: “Love one another as I have loved you.” This wasn’t a gentle suggestion; It was a call to action and the defining mark of discipleship. Love was to become the foundational ethic of the Christian community. Not love in theory or sentiment, but tangible, inclusive, and generous love that reflects the very heart of Christ.
In the quiet, sacred moment before His betrayal, Jesus had just knelt to wash His disciples’ feet – even the one who would betray Him. His love was not passive, but self-giving, servant-hearted, and sacrificial. It reached beyond flaws, failures, and fears. This is the love we are called to embody: a love that listens, serves, forgives, and builds up.
“Just as I have loved you.” Every time I read these words, I find myself asking, how can I love like Jesus? These words prompt me to look inward and reflect on how I can live out His command to love. Time and again, I realize how small I am compared to the greatness of His life-giving love. And yet, even though we may never fully measure up, I believe that by striving to love one another as He did, we embark on a lifelong journey of love. May we never forget His promise that through our love, the world will know we are His disciples. And may the earth be filled with loving disciples of Jesus, overflowing with His grace and compassion.
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples – if you love one another.” The true mark of Christian identity is the love we show to one another. In a world fractured by division and fear, Christ calls us to live out love. When we do, we not only strengthen the community of faith – we also reveal Jesus to the world. May we, both as individuals and as a church, truly reflect the love of Christ in word and deed, so that others may come to know Him through us.
Who do we struggle to accept? Is there someone God is calling us to include in our circle of grace and love? I am so grateful that Leighmoor family is a church of welcome. As a beautiful congregation, how can we become more open, more accessible, more inviting to those who feel like outsiders? Let love be our witness.
In a world divided by fear, hate, and suspicion, we witness Jesus not by being louder, but by being loving. May we challenge boundaries with grace. Let us speak up when we see exclusion in our communities, in our heart, and in the world. No one should suffer exclusion within the Christian community. Let the Holy Spirit lead us into surprising relationships and new possibilities.
In the kingdom of God, there are no fences, no locked gates, no closed doors. Jesus kneels to wash the feet of even His betrayer and shows us his open arms. Let us be people of “love without borders.” And when people look at our lives, our homes, and our church, may they see the living echo of Christ’s words: “By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” May we share inclusive and transforming grace and love each other. Let us glorify God by loving one another.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)