Devotion: "Erasing the Lines"

Erasing the Lines

Scripture: Acts 11:17 – “If God gave them the same gift he gave us… who was I to think I could stand in God’s way?”

Peter had always seen Gentiles as outsiders. Unclean. Unfit for full inclusion in God’s people. Until God disrupted that view.

Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit fall on people he’d been taught to avoid. Suddenly, his lines didn’t make sense anymore. He had a choice: defend the boundary or follow the Spirit.

We all have lines. Lines we draw between “us” and “them.” It might be someone whose political views offend you. Someone with a messy past. Someone who doesn’t look, live, or believe like you.

But the Spirit is still challenging our boundaries. Still asking, “Who are you to stand in God’s way?”

Maybe it’s time to set the chalk down.

3 Ways to Live It Out Today:

1. Reach out to someone you've quietly kept at arm’s length—text, call, or start a conversation.

2. Spend 10 minutes in prayer, asking God to reveal any lines you've drawn—and the courage to erase them.

3. Watch a testimony or short film from someone outside your usual circles. Let it expand your empathy.

Closing Prayer:

Boundary-breaking God, I confess the lines I’ve drawn. Lines of fear, pride, or misunderstanding. Open my eyes to see your Spirit moving where I least expect it. Give me the courage to follow your lead, even when it stretches me. Amen.