We Belong TogetherSample

Treat Others the Way You Want to Be Treated Okay, so far you’ve learned about how God’s followers, the Body of Christ, are different and that’s a good thing. We all work together. We don’t run from our own differences and try to be copycats. We also don’t reduce people’s differences down to simple labels. Today, you’re going to think about belonging to the Body of Christ in a different way. You’ll learn to take any hurt you may have felt about your differences being unkindly called out and turn it around to use it for God’s good purposes. Yes! With God’s help, you can turn the pain of other people’s surface judgments or prejudices into motivation to reach out to others who may experience the same thing. Did you hear that part about helping others feel like they belong? Take that with you everywhere you go. It’s the cure for feeling “different” from or “less” than others. You can become an includer, just like Jesus! Jesus knew what it was like to be judged unfairly. He didn’t grow up in a rich neighborhood. Based on prejudice and stereotyping about where He came from—Nazareth—no one would have expected Him to amount to much. But Jesus repeatedly spoke out against the sin of pride. He told people to quit obsessing over other people’s so-called “imperfections” and worry about our own truly sinful problems (like judging others as less-than instead of loving them)! Jesus went out of His way to make friends with people who were overlooked. He offered dignity and worth to many who wouldn’t even have been glanced at by people in power. Jesus said He didn’t come for people who think they have it all together. He came for people who know they need His love and forgiveness for their sins. You can be a friend like Jesus to others who may otherwise be overlooked, forgotten, or lonely. Ask yourself: What’s a great way to start a conversation with someone who might be outside your usual circle of friends? Challenge yourself: You can probably guess today’s challenge. Take your answers and ideas from today’s “Ask yourself” question—and get talking! Start a conversation this week, today if you can, with someone you don’t usually talk to very much. Pray: God, thank You for helping me to think of ways to make sure everyone feels included in their community and in Your family. Help me to spot people who are lonely or left out, and help me find ways to include them. In Jesus’ name, amen.