The Welcome Mat and the Wall
5 Day Devotional
This five day devotional will be taking a deeper dive into the sermon from Sunday, February 22, 2026. Together, we will explore the themes of belonging, borders, and the Kingdom of God, reflecting on the words of Paul and Jesus as we uncover what it truly means to live as a follower of Christ in a world full of division and fear.
Day 1
Ephesians 2:11–14
In these words from Paul, we are invited to consider the power of Christ's peace which has broken down the dividing walls of hostility. As followers of Jesus, our call is not to live by fear or by barriers but to embrace the unity and peace that Christ offers. Reflect today on what it means to break down the walls in your own heart and life, and how you might extend Christ's peace to those around you.
How have personal fears influenced your perception of others?
What walls have you built up in your own life, and how can they be taken down by Christ's love?
How does welcoming others reflect your commitment to Christ?
Pray for the courage to embrace Jesus' call for unity and peace.
Ask for clarity on how to serve and love beyond your comfort zone.
Day 2
Matthew 25:35
Jesus challenges us to see Him in the stranger, the outcast, the immigrant. By welcoming those who are different from us, we welcome Christ Himself. It’s not about dissolving identity or misunderstanding boundaries, but about redefining belonging in terms of the Gospel. Take the time today to rethink how you view strangers and what it means for your faith in practice.
What does it mean to see Jesus in the face of a stranger?
How can you practice hospitality in your community?
Why is it important to welcome others as Christ welcomes us?
Ask God to help you see others as He sees them.
Seek strength to offer unconditional love and acceptance.
Day 3
Exodus 23:9
The Lord reminds us to recall our own stories—our vulnerabilities and origins—in order to foster empathy and compassion for others. Just as Israel was instructed to remember their past as immigrants, so we are called to root our compassion not in politics, but in our identity as God’s people. Consider today how your own story influences your ability to extend mercy and kindness.
How does your story shape your empathy towards others?
What could remembering your own vulnerabilities teach you about God's love?
How might God's call to remember affect your actions towards immigrants?
Pray for a spirit of empathy and a recollection of your own journey.
Ask for wisdom to navigate complexities with a compassionate heart.
Day 4
Leviticus 19:33–34
Scripture asks us to love the stranger as ourselves, highlighting not convenience but covenantal responsibility. This act of loving others as God loves us challenges us to rise above mere kindness— it's a call to radical hospitality rooted in our own experience of grace. Reflect on the depth of God's love for you and how that might change how you engage with others today.
What barriers prevent you from extending love to strangers?
How does understanding God’s covenant change your perspective on kindness?
Why is God’s love a necessary foundation for loving others?
Pray for the ability to love unconditionally, driven by God’s example.
Seek guidance in treating strangers as beloved children of God.
Day 5
Zechariah 7:9–10
As God’s people, we are tasked with rendering true judgments and showing kindness to all, particularly to the most vulnerable in society. This week of reflection is about allowing Jesus to reorder our hearts to reflect His Kingdom values. Wrap up this devotional by recommitting to being a witness of Christ’s love in action, treating every person with dignity and grace.
How can you ensure your actions reflect Christ’s mission of love?
In what ways can you stand for justice and mercy in your community?
What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and compassion?
Pray for renewed commitment to be a vessel of Christ’s love.
Seek opportunities to demonstrate mercy and justice in your daily life.
Rewatch the Sermon
