October 19, 2025

Rejection leaves invisible scars. People may have been excluded for their past mistakes, social status, or circumstances beyond their control. Jesus touches the leper, someone the world avoids, and in that encounter restores dignity, health, and belonging. This week, we reimagine church as a community of indescribable compassion and healing, where presence brings restoration.

READ

Leviticus 13:45–46; Matthew 8:1–4

When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him, and there was a man with a skin disease who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be made clean!” Immediately his skin disease was cleansed.

REFLECT

1. How have you internalized rejection in ways that still affect your relationships or your faith?
2. How is the Holy Spirit empowering you to be an instrument of restoration, not just comfort, for those who have been rejected?
3. How can recognizing Jesus’ touch change the way you approach broken relationships or isolated individuals?

RESPOND

1. Identify someone who has been marginalized, ignored, or rejected in any area of life. Initiate a conversation that communicates that they are valued and seen by God and by you.
2. The Holy Spirit may prompt you to speak affirming words to someone who doesn’t expect them, or to apologize and repair a fractured relationship. Follow that prompting as an act of relational courage.
3. Set aside time to pray with the intention of God’s Spirit bringing healing to both your own wounds and those of others. Consider praying for restoration of broken trust, belonging, and dignity.

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