Unity in Christ: Breaking Down Dividing Walls

Devotional

Day 1: Grace and Peace Are Gifts from God, Not Earned

Grace is the unearned, undeserved favor that God has shown to humanity from the very beginning, extending from Adam and Eve to Israel and now to us. This grace is not based on our merit or achievements, but on God's steadfast love and faithfulness to His promises. Alongside grace, God offers us peace—shalom—a wholeness that is not dependent on our circumstances but is rooted in His presence and provision. When we receive these gifts, we are freed from striving and can rest in the assurance that God’s love and acceptance are not something we have to earn, but something we are invited to receive and share with others. [45:00]

Deuteronomy 7:7-8 (ESV)
"It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find yourself trying to earn God’s love or approval? How can you rest today in the truth that His grace and peace are gifts, not rewards?

Day 2: Jesus Breaks Down the Walls That Divide Us

Throughout history, people have built walls—literal and figurative—to separate, protect, and define themselves, but these walls often lead to division and isolation. In Christ, however, the dividing walls of hostility are destroyed; He brings together those who were once far off and those who were near, making one new humanity through His sacrifice. Jesus calls us to move beyond labels and barriers, to be peacemakers who remove the bricks of division and choose unity through His love. As we follow Him, we are invited to participate in the ongoing work of reconciliation, breaking down the walls that keep us apart from one another. [01:05:52]

Ephesians 2:13-16 (ESV)
"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Who in your life do you tend to keep at a distance because of differences or past hurts? What is one step you can take today to break down a wall and move toward reconciliation?

Day 3: The Church Is God’s Dwelling Place, United in Christ

God’s plan has always been to dwell among His people, first with Israel, then through Jesus, and now through the church—the body of Christ. We are no longer strangers or outsiders, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, built together on the foundation of Christ. As God’s temple, we are called to reflect His presence and glory to the world, demonstrating unity and love that transcends all divisions. Our relationships and community become the place where God’s Spirit lives and is made visible, inviting others to experience His grace and belonging. [01:12:37]

Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV)
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."

Reflection: How can you intentionally contribute to unity and belonging in your church family this week, making it a place where God’s presence is seen and felt?

Day 4: Peacemaking Means Removing Labels and Choosing Love

Peacemaking is not simply avoiding conflict or compromising; it is the active work of removing the labels and barriers that divide us, choosing to love above all else. Jesus calls us to be peacemakers, to lean into kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness, and to build relationships rather than break them. This work is not reserved for some distant future—it is the calling of every believer here and now. As we choose to love instead of divide, we reflect the heart of God and participate in His plan to unite all people in Christ. [01:14:26]

Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God."

Reflection: What label or judgment have you placed on someone that keeps you from loving them fully? Ask God to help you see them through His eyes and take one action today to show them love.

Day 5: You Are Chosen and Empowered to Include Others

God has chosen you—not as an afterthought, but before the creation of the world—to be holy, blameless, and part of His family. Through Jesus, you are made worthy and righteous, and you are empowered by His Spirit to include others, breaking down the barriers of exclusion and inviting all to belong. The church is called to be a family that welcomes, loves, and embraces those who feel like outsiders, showing the world the goodness and grace of God. No one has to be on the outside ever again, because in Christ, the doors are open wide. [01:10:32]

Ephesians 1:4-6 (ESV)
"Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Reflection: Who around you might feel like an outsider or unwelcome? How can you reach out to include them and reflect God’s welcoming love today?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family to celebrate the enduring love and reign of Jesus Christ, and to participate in our Mission Sunday offering—a tangible way to join in God’s mission to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth. We reflected on the nature of God’s grace, a gift that is unearned and undeserved, given freely to Adam and Eve, to Israel, and to each of us. This grace is the foundation of our peace—shalom—a wholeness that echoes the way things were meant to be, even as we feel the absence of that peace in a divided and chaotic world.

We explored how division is a natural human tendency, often reinforced by the walls we build—literal and figurative—to separate ourselves from others. From ancient times to today, we have been experts at creating “us” and “them,” using names, labels, and disagreements to justify our separation. Yet, God’s intention for His people was never to be walled off, but to be a blessing to the world, to show His love, kindness, and mercy to all nations.

Through Jesus, the dividing walls of hostility have been destroyed. In Christ, those who were once far off have been brought near, and a new humanity is being created—one that is not defined by group identity, national allegiance, or personal opinion, but by the reconciling work of Jesus on the cross. We are no longer strangers or outsiders, but fellow citizens and members of God’s household, being built together into a dwelling where God’s Spirit lives.

This unity is not a distant ideal, but a present reality. The love of Jesus is powerful enough to overcome any division, and we are called to be peacemakers—people who actively remove the labels and barriers that separate us. Our mission, both locally and globally, is to embody this grace and peace, to shine as God’s presence in the world, and to invite everyone into the family where no one has to be on the outside. Let’s choose love, unity, and kindness, breaking down walls brick by brick, and showing the world the goodness of God.

Key Takeaways

1. Grace is the foundation of our relationship with God and with one another. It is not something we earn, but a gift that God has given from the very beginning, even in the face of failure and rebellion. This grace is what enables us to approach God and to extend love to others, regardless of their past or present circumstances. [45:00]
2. The peace God offers—shalom—is not dependent on our circumstances or achievements, but is rooted in our restored relationship with Him. This peace fills the void left by the “echo of Eden,” the longing for wholeness that every human feels, and frees us to connect with others without fear or division. [47:01]
3. Division is a deeply ingrained human habit, reinforced by the walls and labels we construct to separate ourselves from others. These barriers may offer a sense of safety or identity, but ultimately they isolate us and prevent us from fulfilling our calling to be a blessing to the world. [54:15]
4. In Christ, the dividing walls of hostility have been destroyed. Jesus’ sacrifice reconciles us not only to God but to one another, creating a new humanity where unity is possible despite our differences. Peacemaking is not about compromise or appeasement, but about actively removing the labels and barriers that keep us apart. [68:03]
5. The church is called to be the visible presence of God’s love and unity in the world. As we are built together into God’s dwelling, we are invited to break down walls, choose love over division, and welcome everyone into the family. Our mission is to shine together, showing the world the grace and peace of Jesus in both word and action. [72:37]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Mission Sunday Offering Introduction
[02:30] - Gathering as God’s Family
[04:10] - The Enduring Love and Reign of Jesus
[06:00] - The Power of Grace: Adam, Eve, and Israel
[08:01] - The Echo of Eden and Our Longing for Peace
[10:26] - Shalom: Peace in the Midst of Division
[12:21] - The Human Tendency to Divide
[14:15] - Walls, Fences, and the Us vs. Them Mentality
[16:44] - The Power of Labels and Names
[19:54] - The Jewish Mandate: Blessing the World
[21:52] - Jesus Destroys the Dividing Wall
[25:03] - Peacemaking and the New Humanity
[29:16] - God’s Unfailing Plan and Our Identity
[32:37] - The Church as God’s Dwelling
[35:26] - Breaking Down Walls and Choosing Unity
[37:22] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Ephesians 2:11-22 (ESV) — 11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Observation Questions

According to Ephesians 2:14, what did Jesus do to the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles?
In the sermon, what are some examples of literal and figurative “walls” that people build to separate themselves from others? ([56:50])
What does Paul say is the result of Jesus’ work for those who were “far off” and those who were “near”?
How does the sermon describe the original purpose of God choosing Israel? ([01:04:14])

Interpretation Questions

Why do people so easily build walls and embrace division, even within the church? What does this reveal about human nature? ([54:15])
The sermon says that “grace is the foundation of our relationship with God and with one another.” How does understanding grace change the way we relate to people who are different from us? ([45:00])
What does it mean that “in Christ, the dividing walls of hostility have been destroyed”? How is this different from just tolerating people who are different? ([01:08:03])
The sermon mentions that the church is called to be the visible presence of God’s love and unity in the world. What are some practical ways this can be lived out in a divided society? ([01:12:37])

Application Questions

The sermon talks about “labels” and “names” that divide us (like political, generational, or social labels). What is one label you tend to use for others or yourself that might be building a wall? How could you start to let go of that label this week? ([59:54])
Think about a relationship in your life where there is some kind of wall or barrier. What is one small, specific step you could take to begin breaking down that wall? ([01:14:26])
The idea of “shalom” or peace is described as wholeness and not just the absence of conflict. Where do you feel the “echo of Eden”—a longing for wholeness—in your own life? How might God’s grace meet you there? ([47:01])
The sermon says, “Peacemaking is not about compromise or appeasement, but about actively removing the labels and barriers that keep us apart.” What is one way you can be a peacemaker in your family, workplace, or church this week? ([01:08:03])
The church is described as a family where “no one has to be on the outside.” Is there someone in your church or community who might feel like an outsider? What could you do to help them feel included? ([01:12:37])
The sermon challenges us to “shine as God’s presence in the world.” What is one practical way you can show God’s grace and peace to someone outside your usual circle this week? ([01:12:37])
The Mission Sunday offering is a way to join in God’s mission. Besides giving financially, what is one other way you can participate in God’s mission to bring the gospel to others? ([01:12:37])

Sermon Clips

So when we pray, God, give me an opportunity to show the world the love of Jesus, it's hard to do that when you've walled yourself off from everything. It's hard to do that when you walled yourself off from those people you disagree with or those people you don't like or those people that you kind of have disdain for. [01:03:52] (21 seconds) #PrayForLoveOpportunity

But when Jesus came, the original intention of God's grace became clear. And at one time, people were outside of the walls. They were separated from Christ because his people weren't doing their job. They were separated from Christ. But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far off are now being brought near by the blood of Jesus Christ. [01:06:23] (23 seconds) #GraceBreaksWalls

For he himself is our peace, our shalom, our wholeness, who has made the two groups one, Gentiles and Jews, and has destroyed the barrier, this dividing wall of hostility by setting aside in the flesh the law with his commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself a new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, wholeness. [01:06:47] (29 seconds) #OneInChrist

Peacemaking is the act of removing the labels of us and them. It's removing the walls that divide us. It's a lofty plan, I know, but it's God's lofty plan, and it's not something that's going to happen sometime in the future. It's something that is happening here and now because I'm telling you, the body of Christ is growing in the world. [01:08:56] (28 seconds) #PeacemakingNow

What this means is that we are a part of a plan that cannot fail. Fail. That should be exciting to you, and I know some of you, you may feel a little embarrassed talking to someone about your faith. It's not going to fail. This plan will not fail. Jesus has done all the heavy lifting here. He's done the work. He has done the work. [01:09:43] (27 seconds) #UnfailingDivinePlan

God is bringing all things together in heaven and on earth. He's bringing Jew, Gentile, barbarian, Gauls, Rebs, Yanks, Boomers, Snowflakes, Left, Right, whatever you want to call anybody, whatever those labels are. He's bringing all nations, all tribes, all different tongues together throughout the world in unity. [01:13:03] (19 seconds) #UnityInDiversity

No matter what kind of walls we may have built, the love of Jesus can destroy anything that divides his people. Trust me, God will destroy the walls that divide this wildly dysfunctional group we call the church of Christ, the body of Christ, the church of God, whatever labels that are out there. God is going to use the love of Jesus to separate the walls that divide us. It's going to happen. It's already happening. [01:13:46] (31 seconds) #LoveDestroysWalls

Because through Jesus, we have the power to remove barriers. So, be a peacemaker. Make peace. Don't lean into issues that divide. Instead, break down walls that divide by choosing unity through Jesus, through love, above everything else. [01:14:26] (20 seconds) #PowerToRemoveBarriers

Forget the labels you give yourself, forget the labels you give others, and choose to make relationships rather than break them. Because no one has to be on the outside ever again. Okay? You are the body of Christ, and you are God's presence in this world. So, let's shine together. Let's love one another, and let's shower the world with grace and peace through God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [01:14:46] (27 seconds) #ChooseUnityLove

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