Embracing Change: Unity and Love in Christ

Change is in the air, not just in the seasons, but in the way we as followers of Christ are called to engage with the world around us. Recent tragedies and the state of our nation have stirred up a range of emotions and questions—why does God allow such things, and how should we respond? The truth is, we live in a time of deep division, not only in our country but within the church itself. The challenge before us is not to change the world by force or argument, but to allow God to change us, especially in how we speak and relate to those who disagree with us.

1 Peter 3:8-17 gives us a blueprint for this change. We are called to be of one mind, to have compassion, to love as brothers and sisters, to be courteous and respectful—even when we disagree. This unity does not mean uniformity of opinion, but a shared commitment to the Word of God and the leading of the Holy Spirit. Our differences are real, but the way we handle them must be shaped by Christ, not by the culture of insult and division that surrounds us.

We must resist the urge to return evil for evil or insult for insult. Instead, we are to bless—even those who oppose us. This is not weakness, but the strength of Christ, who loved His enemies and spoke truth with grace. Our children and the world are watching how we handle conflict; what they see in us will shape the next generation. The example of Charlie Kirk, who engaged with those who disagreed with him without ever resorting to rudeness or insult, is a powerful reminder of what it means to be Christlike in our conversations.

God calls us to hate evil, but never to hate the sinner. We are to pursue peace, to do good, and to trust in God’s sovereignty even when we do not understand His ways. Suffering for doing what is right is not a sign of failure, but of faithfulness. We must not let fear silence us, but always be ready to give an answer for the hope within us—with gentleness and respect. Our mission is not to win arguments, but to make disciples, to love people, and to let the gospel change lives. This is the change God is calling us to embrace.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True unity in the church is not about everyone thinking alike, but about being anchored in the Word of God and led by the Holy Spirit. Our differences in opinion are inevitable, but our shared commitment to Christ must shape how we interact, especially in times of conflict or persecution. The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by the way we love and respect one another, even when we disagree. [10:35]
• 2. The way we use our words reveals the state of our hearts. Returning insult for insult only deepens division and teaches the next generation to do the same. Instead, we are called to bless those who oppose us, speaking truth in love and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our tongues. This Christlike response is not natural, but it is essential if we are to be effective witnesses in a hostile world. [16:08]
• 3. Hating evil is biblical, but hating people is not. We must be clear about sin, but never let our zeal against evil turn into contempt for those who need Christ. Pursuing peace and doing good, even to those who oppose us, is the mark of a mature believer and a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the gospel. [18:58]
• 4. Suffering for righteousness is not a sign of defeat, but of faithfulness. When we are mocked, threatened, or misunderstood for standing for Christ, we are called to respond with joy and courage, not fear or retaliation. God is sovereign over our lives, and He uses our faithful witness—even in suffering—to accomplish His purposes in the world. [24:26]
• 5. We must always be ready to give an answer for the hope within us, but our defense of the faith must be marked by humility and respect. Knowing what we believe and why we believe it is crucial, but so is the manner in which we share it. Pride repels, but meekness and respect open doors for the gospel and leave a clear conscience before God and others. [31:40]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:10] - The Call for Change in the Church
• [04:13] - How Christians Engage with Disagreement
• [06:25] - Learning from Charlie Kirk’s Example
• [10:35] - Unity Through the Word and Spirit
• [11:42] - Compassion and Courtesy Among Believers
• [16:08] - Blessing Instead of Insult
• [18:58] - Hating Evil, Loving Sinners
• [22:30] - God’s Sovereignty in Tragedy
• [23:49] - Suffering for Righteousness
• [24:26] - Responding to Persecution with Joy
• [27:49] - Overcoming Fear in Witness
• [31:09] - Being Ready to Give an Answer
• [31:40] - Humility and Respect in Dialogue
• [35:28] - Our Mission: Making Disciples

Bible Reading

1 Peter 3:8-17 (ESV) —
> 8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; 11 let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.

Observation Questions

1. According to 1 Peter 3:8-9, what attitudes and behaviors are Christians called to have toward one another, especially in times of disagreement?
2. What does Peter say about how we should respond when we are insulted or treated badly?
3. In the sermon, what example was given of someone who modeled Christlike conversation with those who disagreed with him? ([06:25])
4. What does Peter say is the right way to answer people who ask about our hope in Christ?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says unity in the church is not about everyone thinking alike, but about being anchored in the Word of God and led by the Holy Spirit. What does this look like in real life when people have strong differences of opinion? ([10:35])
2. Why is it important, according to both Peter and the sermon, not to return insult for insult—even when we feel attacked or misunderstood? ([16:08])
3. The pastor said, “Hating evil is biblical, but hating people is not.” How can a believer hate evil without letting that turn into contempt for people who do wrong? ([18:58])
4. What does it mean to “always be ready to give an answer for the hope within you,” and why does Peter say it must be done with gentleness and respect? ([31:40])

Application Questions

1. Think about a recent disagreement you had with another Christian. Did you show compassion, courtesy, and respect, or did you let frustration take over? What could you do differently next time? ([11:42])
2. When was the last time someone insulted you or your faith? How did you respond? Is there a specific way you could “bless” someone who opposes you this week? ([16:08])
3. Are there people or groups you find it hard not to dislike because of the evil you see in the world? How can you practice hating evil but loving the sinner in a real, practical way? ([18:58])
4. The sermon mentioned that our children and the world are watching how we handle conflict. What kind of example are you setting in your home, workplace, or online? ([06:25])
5. Have you ever let fear keep you from speaking up about your faith or sharing the gospel? What is one step you can take to overcome that fear this week? ([27:49])
6. Do you know what you believe and why you believe it? If someone asked you about your hope in Christ, would you be ready to answer? What is one thing you could do to be more prepared? ([31:09])
7. The sermon said our mission is not to win arguments, but to make disciples and love people. Is there a conversation or relationship in your life where you need to shift your focus from “winning” to loving and listening? ([35:28])