Everyone needs a safe place where they feel loved and have a sense of belonging. That safe place is called family. God’s family is the church and He wants everyone in it. Revelation 7:9-10; Matthew 28:19 Jesus breaks down the dividing walls and brings people together who would not naturally want to be together. Ephesians 2:14-19 What we need is the supernatural power of God’s love. Acts 1:8 Judea | People you look down on. Samaria | People you can’t stand because of your bias. Ends of the earth | Unfamiliar people you don’t even want to get to know. To turn neighbors into friends and friends into family, we are to cross barriers, not be one. Begin by admitting your bias. (Hint | Everyone is biased.) Bias can be intentional or unintentional. Bias can be expressive or passive. What is God’s bias? Ephesians 2:12-13, 17-19 God is always biased by love. Because of love Jesus “crossed” all the barriers. Reconciliation is always intentional and expressive. How do we turn friends into family? Be aware Care (Matthew 22:39) Prayer (1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4) Share (Romans 10:14, 17) Our vision is to connect unconnected people to Jesus by turning neighbors into friends and friends into family.