Sharon Yoder, IMMC Conference Co-Minister, reflects on learning from Jesus to stretch our borders.

Love has no borders. As I was engaging this theme in preparation for Summer Fest ’25, I realized that there are, in fact, many borders around us. I have lots. And society is constantly inviting me to create more. It’s easy to justify borders. Some keep me from danger or harm. Some support me emotionally, spiritually, and/or physically. Some, however, block me from experiencing God’s fullness in my life. And some cause harm to other people. So, I want to pay attention to my borders. Which borders do I need to embrace for my own well-being? Which can I allow to be stretched?

I long to be centered on Jesus, learning from the ways Jesus encountered meaningful relationships at the borders. With the Samaritan woman at the well, with the tax collectors who connived with leaders of the empire, and with many who were challenged physically or emotionally. Jesus initiated conversation and relationship with these folks on the margins of society. He loved them by listening deeply, by sharing meals, and by healing physical and emotional pain. Jesus loved beyond borders. And Jesus invites us into this love. Everyday.

I long for deeper encounters with this borderless love. Encounters with God’s never-ending love changes me. They invite me to, in turn, share God’s endless and unconditional love with others beyond social, racial, political, and theological borders.

1 Corinthians 13:7-8a states: “Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen.” Love has no borders. Thanks be to God!