“A Tree with a View” – A United Church of Christ StillSpeaking Daily Devotional by The Rev. Kaji Douša

Come to [Jesus], a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house. – 1 Peter 2:4-5a (NRSV) 

Some of the most harmful messages I’ve witnessed don’t sound like outright attacks. They masquerade as concern. They show up cloaked in piety. And far too often, they target the most beautiful, God-created parts of us. 

But the scripture tells a different story. 

Jesus was rejected. Not by God, but by the world. And that rejection didn’t take away his holiness. In fact, it made him the cornerstone, the essential piece of something new and sacred. 

That’s your story, too. 

You are not less-than. Not broken. Not a mistake to be corrected. You are a living stone. You are seen, known, chosen, and precious to God. 

The voices of judgment will always try to shout louder. But you weren’t built for shame. You were built for love. 

May our churches build the kind of spiritual house that reflects that. Where every stone is cherished. Where dignity isn’t debated. Where the doors are wide open, and every single person belongs. 

Prayer

God who builds and blesses, remind me that I am not defined by rejection. Help me let go of the lies others have spoken over me. Build me into something holy. And may I help create a world that reflects your love. In Jesus’s name. Amen.