As Jesus prayed for us, all the believers who would come to faith in him until the world ends, He prayed for unity. He prayed that we would love one another. In fact, He commanded we love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). In a world filled with division and anger, how do we remain loving and unified, embracing reconciliation and restoration?
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Is there a food (or activity) which does not agree with you, but that you can hardly withstand? Is the food or action worth the pain?
2. Unity must be practiced. Read Ephesians 4:1-3, 2:18-20, and 1 John 4:20-21. If you were trying to explain it to your child, spouse, or best friend, what would a “worthy manner” mean to you? Do you have the qualities of humility, patience, and gentleness? Why are they crucial to living in unity and pleasing God?
3. Unity must be protected. Read Ephesians 4:29-30 and Matthew 18:15-17 to find two sides of the same coin in these two passages. How might we offend others (and God the Holy Spirit) with our behavior? How should we behave if someone has offended us? (List the steps.)
4. Unity must be prioritized. Read Ephesians 4:4-6 and Galatians 3:28. Unity is not a lack of conflict, it’s what we do with conflict. Unity is not “uniformity.” What potential sources of conflict are not listed in these passages? What personal preferences or other divisions have been hard for you to overcome in the past (at this church or another) or even in the present? How can we shift our focus and change our behavior to prioritize the unity found in God?
5. This Week, read Philippians 2:1-11 three times. Read it once out loud in your Group, then privately a few more times throughout the week. If you are in a conflict situation, we urge you to review the peacemaking material below. Pray this prayer and then individually work through the Deeper section:
Father God: Thank You for bringing me into relationship and unity with You. Even when I sin and step away from You, there is always a way back to You through the blood of Jesus and the forgiveness He bought for me. Lord, I want to be at peace with You. I want to be at peace with others. Not a superficial peace, but the peace that You give, Jesus (John 14:27)! Spirit, convict me of hurts I have caused and relationships I need to mend. Convict me of being angry, argumentative, a gossip, or a self-righteous judge. Help me to seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11). In Your Name I pray, Amen.
Deeper
6. Whether you are in conflict with a family member, a coworker, or a fellow believer, God has a laid out a Biblical plan for peace. We are told “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18, ESV). If you are not in conflict, you too are called to peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9, ESV). Read this PEACE POINTS brochure. If you are experiencing division, focus especially on the G.R.A.C.E. acronym and the first three letters: GRA. If you have a friend in a conflict situation, encourage them with these verses.
7. Discuss the G.R.A.C.E. acronym and corresponding verses in your Life Group.
8. If you are in a dispute and need more help, contact The Cove’s peacemaking team.
9. If you are in a serious conflict involving children, division of material goods or a business partnership, please contact Peace Point, an organization of believers who mediate and arbitrate.