Embracing Love: Unity Beyond Fear and Division

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity

The patriotic songs we sing together remind us that despite our political differences, we are one people under God's love. This unity is a reflection of God's love for all humanity, transcending national and political boundaries. When we come together in worship, we celebrate our shared faith and the love that binds us, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs. This unity is a powerful testament to the world of God's inclusive love, which knows no borders or divisions.

In a world often divided by politics, race, and nationality, it is crucial to remember that our primary identity is as children of God. This identity unites us in a way that transcends all earthly distinctions. By focusing on what we share in Christ, we can overcome the barriers that often separate us and demonstrate the power of God's love to bring people together.

[09:13]

Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Reflection: Think of someone with whom you have political or ideological differences. How can you show them God's love and unity this week?

Day 2: Fear vs. Love

Acting out of fear leads to judgment and division, while acting out of love fosters understanding and unity. We must be cautious not to force our beliefs on others, as true love cannot be coerced. This is especially important in the context of patriotism and nationalism. When we allow fear to dictate our actions, we create barriers and foster an environment of hostility and division. Instead, we are called to act out of love, which seeks to understand and bridge gaps.

Love is patient and kind, and it does not insist on its own way. By approaching others with a heart of love rather than fear, we can create a space where genuine dialogue and understanding can occur. This approach not only reflects the heart of God but also paves the way for true unity and peace.

[45:21]

1 John 4:18 (ESV): "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."

Reflection: Identify a situation where you have acted out of fear rather than love. How can you approach it differently with God's love?

Day 3: Staying Connected to the Vine

Jesus teaches us to stay connected to Him, the vine, to bear the fruit of love. This love is not for ourselves but for others. Even when others do not love us back, we are called to love them because our source of love is God. Staying connected to Jesus means drawing our strength, wisdom, and love from Him, allowing His life to flow through us and produce the fruit of love in our lives.

When we remain in Christ, we are empowered to love others selflessly and sacrificially, just as He loves us. This connection to the vine is essential for living out our faith and demonstrating God's love to the world. It is through this abiding relationship with Jesus that we can truly love others, even when it is difficult.

[50:10]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: How can you stay more connected to Jesus, the vine, in your daily life? What practices can help you draw closer to Him?

Day 4: Transformative Power of Love

The story of Sister Helen Prejean and the death row inmate illustrates that love can transform even the hardest hearts. We are called to offer this kind of transformative love to everyone, even those we consider "monsters." Love has the power to change lives and bring about redemption, even in the most unlikely circumstances. This transformative love is a reflection of God's grace and mercy, which can reach anyone, no matter how far they have strayed.

By extending love to those who seem unlovable, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world. This kind of love requires courage and faith, trusting that God's love can penetrate even the darkest places and bring about true transformation.

[01:02:38]

Luke 6:27-28 (ESV): "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you."

Reflection: Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them God's transformative love this week?

Day 5: Focus on Love in Divisive Times

As we approach an election year, our community of faith should focus on love. We can love one another despite our political differences, showing the world that God's love transcends all divisions. Stay connected to the vine of love, and let it spill over to everyone around you. In times of division and strife, it is more important than ever to be a beacon of God's love and unity.

By focusing on love, we can rise above the noise and conflict that often accompany political seasons. Our actions and attitudes can demonstrate that our allegiance to Christ and His kingdom is greater than any earthly affiliation. This focus on love can bring healing and hope to a divided world.

[01:06:18]

Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."

Reflection: How can you be a source of God's love and unity in your community during this election season? What practical steps can you take to promote peace and understanding?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, beautiful people. Today, we continue our journey of exploring faith and embracing community. We began by singing patriotic songs, which remind us of our unity despite our differences. This unity is a reflection of God's love for all people around the world, not just in the United States. Today, we focus on the fruit of love, a gift from God that binds us together and transcends all boundaries.

I shared a personal confession about my struggle with fear and judgment, especially in the context of political debates. This fear can lead us to act out of a place of judgment rather than love. We must be cautious not to force our beliefs on others, as true love cannot be coerced. This brings us to the fine line between patriotism and nationalism, where we must celebrate our country without imposing our ways on others.

Music, a divine gift, helps us connect to love and overcome fear. Understanding our own fears allows us to empathize with others. I expressed my disagreement with the decision to force teachers to teach the Bible in schools, emphasizing that love involves understanding and respecting different perspectives.

Love, as described in 1 John 4:18, casts out fear. Jesus teaches us to stay connected to Him, the vine, to bear the fruit of love. This love is not for ourselves but for others. Even when others do not love us back, we are called to love them because our source of love is God. Jesus' command to love one another is rooted in God's endless love for us.

I shared a story about Sister Helen Prejean, who transformed a death row inmate through love. This story illustrates that love can change even the hardest hearts. We are called to offer this kind of transformative love to everyone, even those we consider "monsters."

As we approach an election year, let us focus on love. Our community of faith should be a healing presence, showing that we can love one another despite our political differences. Stay connected to the vine of love, and let it spill over to everyone around you, so the world will know that God is love.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Diversity: The patriotic songs we sing together remind us that despite our political differences, we are one people under God's love. This unity is a reflection of God's love for all humanity, transcending national and political boundaries. [09:13]
2. **Fear vs. Love**: Acting out of fear leads to judgment and division, while acting out of love fosters understanding and unity. We must be cautious not to force our beliefs on others, as true love cannot be coerced. This is especially important in the context of patriotism and nationalism. [45:21]
3. Staying Connected to the Vine: Jesus teaches us to stay connected to Him, the vine, to bear the fruit of love. This love is not for ourselves but for others. Even when others do not love us back, we are called to love them because our source of love is God. [50:10]
4. Transformative Power of Love: The story of Sister Helen Prejean and the death row inmate illustrates that love can transform even the hardest hearts. We are called to offer this kind of transformative love to everyone, even those we consider "monsters." [62:38]
5. Focus on Love in Divisive Times: As we approach an election year, our community of faith should focus on love. We can love one another despite our political differences, showing the world that God's love transcends all divisions. Stay connected to the vine of love, and let it spill over to everyone around you. [01:06:18]
### [66:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:13] - Unity in Diversity
[15:24] - Music as a Unifying Gift
[45:21] - Fear vs. Love
[50:10] - Staying Connected to the Vine
[62:38] - Transformative Power of Love
[66:18] - Focus on Love in Divisive Times
[73:23] - Closing Remarks and Gratitude

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 4:18, what does perfect love do to fear?
In John 15:5, what does Jesus say about the relationship between the vine and the branches?
How does 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describe love? List at least three characteristics mentioned.
In the sermon, what personal struggle did the pastor confess to having during political debates? ([45:21])

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean for love to "cast out fear" in the context of our daily lives? How can this be applied to our interactions with others? ([50:10])
How does staying connected to Jesus, the vine, help us bear the fruit of love for others, even those who may not love us back? ([52:12])
Reflect on the story of Sister Helen Prejean. How does her experience with the death row inmate illustrate the transformative power of love? ([01:02:38])
How can understanding and respecting different perspectives be an act of love, especially in divisive times? ([48:30])

Application Questions

Think of a time when you acted out of fear rather than love. How did it affect your relationships? What steps can you take to act out of love in similar situations in the future? ([45:21])
Jesus calls us to stay connected to Him, the vine. What are some practical ways you can stay connected to Jesus daily? ([50:10])
Sister Helen Prejean's story shows that love can transform even the hardest hearts. Is there someone in your life you find difficult to love? How can you start showing them love this week? ([01:02:38])
As we approach an election year, how can you focus on love rather than political differences in your interactions with others? ([01:06:18])
The pastor mentioned reframing negative self-talk. What negative thoughts do you struggle with, and how can you reframe them to align with God's love for you? ([57:56])
How can you use music or other gifts to connect with others and overcome fear in your community? ([15:24])
Reflect on the characteristics of love described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Which characteristic do you find most challenging, and what specific action can you take to cultivate it in your life this week?

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Today we are looking at the fruit of love. And so how wonderful to think about God's love. God's love for us all around the world. It is such a beautiful gift that God pours on us so freely. And so I invite you to continue our worship today." [09:13] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Love is an action verb. And sometimes you don't feel it, but you can act it out. Right? And so, you know, Jesus didn't call us to have warm, fuzzy feelings towards everybody. I guarantee you, there's some people here or watching online who don't always have warm, fuzzy feelings towards me. And yet, we can still love one another, because it's an action." [48:30] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we think about this love, we think about the way Jesus describes it. And he talks about he is the vine, and we are the branches. This comes from the Gospel of John. It's actually part of the farewell discourse, which is chapters 13 to 17, where Jesus is both preparing his disciples for comfort but also preparing them for life after he's gone. And so he's trying to tell them, you know, that I'm the vine, you are the branches, you've got to stay connected to me." [50:10] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The fruit is not for ourselves. The fruit is for other people. And as I was praying about that this week, I thought, you know, that is how and why we can love people who don't love us back. Because we're getting our love from the vine. And so the fruit that we're producing is to give love to other people. And they may not love us back, but that's not what Jesus calls us to do. He calls us to produce this fruit." [52:12] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "There's nothing you can do that will make Jesus stop loving you. Nothing. And so we have to feed that love in ourselves. We have to stay connected to that vine." [56:26] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I think all of us are afraid, Democrat, Republican, wherever we are, all of us are afraid about what's happening in our country. We might have different ways of trying to address it, but all of us have this fear. And so we have to be really careful that we're not acting out of that fear. Because when we act out of fear, what we do is we force love on somebody. Do you know what forced love is called? It's called rape. And so when we try to force our way of being or our love on someone, we are creating a situation that is not healthy for anyone, and it is certainly not loving." [45:21] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so unless we're connected to that source of love, we can't do anything. But when we are connected, ah, we can even love our enemies. Another thing that Jesus tells us to do. And we can only do that when we are secure in knowing that we too are loved." [59:28] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And so as I was thinking about this particular passage and thinking about staying connected to the vine and how important that is, I listened to a podcast with Kate Bowler and Sister Helen Prejean. Many of you know Sister Helen. She was the nun who was the subject of the movie Dead Man Walking. She was one who started off as a pen pal, just on a lark with people on death row, and then was drawn to get to know them, was drawn to see them as human beings. And she was also drawn to the victim's family." [01:00:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "And so this, this scripture invites us to stay so connected to love that we can offer them the fruit of love, not expecting it back. Because we're not going to get fruit from them. We're going to get the love from the vine. And as we approach this election year, I really want us as a community of faith to focus on love. There are people in our own community that don't agree on politics. And that's okay. There are Republicans and Democrats and independents and everything in between. And that's okay. Because what we're going to do is we're going to focus on love." [01:06:18] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I send you forth, I want to thank all of the musicians, both the praise team and choir and the bell choir, and especially Doug, who pulls it all together with such joy. There have been a lot of great things that have happened in the past year. And I want to thank you a few Sundays when I have come in just not quite feeling that I'm connected to that vine. And once the music starts, I just feel drawn in. So I'm so grateful for all that the music does for us and for all that you all offer to us." [01:13:23] (203 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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