Embracing Unity and Compassion in Political Engagement
Summary
In this 21st Sunday after Pentecost, we embark on a new worship series titled "Do Unto Others," inspired by Jesus' command to treat others as we would like to be treated. This series is particularly timely as we approach the election season, a period often marked by anxiety and division. We are reminded that God is greater than our worries and that Christ's peace is with us, uniting us across divides. Through a simple yet profound children's lesson, we explore how different colors, representing diverse perspectives, can come together to create something beautiful, symbolizing unity in diversity.
As we delve into this series, we confront the challenges of living out Jesus' teachings in today's polarized political climate. We are called to view voting as an expression of faith, addressing issues like division, moral integrity, and social justice from a Christian perspective. The goal is not to dictate political choices but to guide us in positioning ourselves as Christians in political decision-making, emphasizing love and compassion over ideological differences.
The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus as our Savior, not any political candidate. This perspective shifts our approach to citizenship and voting, moving from anxiety to trust in God's sovereignty. We are encouraged to apply Christ's teachings consistently, even in politics, and to strive to be Christ followers rather than merely biblical adherents. Compassion, a non-optional aspect of our faith, is emphasized as a transformative force in the world, urging us to do good without expecting anything in return.
In a world rife with political polarization, we are reminded of the power of compassion to bridge divides. The sermon challenges us to engage with real people affected by political issues, fostering understanding and empathy. We are called to be Christ followers, building right relationships and demonstrating unconditional love, even amidst disagreements. This approach not only reflects our faith but also sets an example of civility and compassion in a divided world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in Diversity: Just as different colors blend to create beauty, our diverse perspectives can unite us in Christ. Embracing this diversity allows us to see the beauty in others and work together for a common good. [19:41]
2. Faith in Political Engagement: Voting is an expression of our faith, not a means to salvation. Recognizing Jesus as our Savior, not political candidates, shifts our focus from anxiety to trust in God's sovereignty. [30:40]
3. Compassion as a Transformative Force: Compassion is non-optional for Christ followers. It calls us to do good without expecting anything in return, transforming the world through acts of kindness and love. [34:17]
4. Engaging with Real People: Understanding political issues requires engaging with real people affected by them. This fosters empathy and challenges simplistic, black-and-white thinking, promoting a more compassionate approach. [41:14]
5. Unconditional Love Amidst Disagreement: We can disagree politically, culturally, and theologically while still loving each other unconditionally. This mature love reflects Christ's teachings and sets an example of civility in a polarized world. [39:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [12:11] - Entering the Worship Series
- [17:34] - Children's Lesson on Colors
- [19:41] - Unity in Diversity
- [23:29] - Do Unto Others in Politics
- [25:05] - Navigating Political Divides
- [26:55] - Spiritual Growth Through Political Engagement
- [27:47] - Foundation of Faith
- [30:40] - Faith and Voting
- [32:17] - Christ's Teachings in Politics
- [33:02] - Compassion as Non-Optional
- [34:17] - Transforming the World with Compassion
- [35:49] - Politics and Faith
- [37:11] - Baptismal Vows and Citizenship
- [39:57] - Unconditional Love Amidst Disagreement
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Do Unto Others"
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 7:12 (NIV) - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
2. John 8:12 (NIV) - "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
3. Luke 6:35-36 (NIV) - "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the children's lesson on colors in the sermon, and how does it relate to the theme of unity in diversity? [19:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of voting as an expression of faith rather than a means to salvation? [30:40]
3. According to the sermon, what is the non-optional aspect of being a Christ follower, and how is it described as transformative? [34:17]
4. What does the sermon suggest about engaging with real people affected by political issues, and how does this foster empathy? [41:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "unity in diversity" challenge the current political climate, and what biblical principles support this idea? [19:41]
2. In what ways does recognizing Jesus as our Savior, rather than political candidates, shift our approach to citizenship and voting? [30:40]
3. How does the sermon define compassion as a transformative force, and what biblical teachings support this view? [34:17]
4. What are the potential impacts of engaging with real people affected by political issues, and how does this align with Jesus' teachings on love and empathy? [41:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced unity in diversity. How can you apply this experience to foster unity in your community, especially during divisive times? [19:41]
2. How can you view your voting decisions as an expression of faith, and what steps can you take to ensure your choices align with your Christian values? [30:40]
3. Identify a situation where you can practice compassion without expecting anything in return. How can this act of kindness transform your perspective and relationships? [34:17]
4. Think of a political issue that affects real people in your community. How can you engage with those affected to better understand their experiences and foster empathy? [41:14]
5. How can you demonstrate unconditional love amidst political, cultural, or theological disagreements in your daily interactions? [39:57]
6. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your faith influences your political engagement, rather than being swayed by polarization? [35:49]
7. Consider a person with whom you have political disagreements. What specific actions can you take to show them love and compassion, reflecting Christ's teachings? [39:57]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Unity in Diversity
In a world filled with diverse perspectives, the beauty of unity emerges when these differences come together in harmony. Just as different colors blend to create a masterpiece, our varied viewpoints can unite us in Christ, allowing us to appreciate the beauty in others and work collaboratively for a common good. This unity is not about erasing differences but celebrating them as part of God's creation. Embracing diversity within the body of Christ enables us to reflect His love more fully and effectively in the world. [19:41]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a person whose perspective differs from yours. How can you intentionally seek to understand and appreciate their viewpoint today?
Day 2: Faith in Political Engagement
Voting is an expression of faith, a way to live out Christian values in the public sphere. Recognizing Jesus as our Savior, rather than political candidates, shifts our focus from anxiety to trust in God's sovereignty. This perspective encourages believers to engage in politics not as a means of salvation but as a reflection of their faith, prioritizing love and compassion over ideological differences. By doing so, Christians can navigate political divides with grace and integrity, trusting that God is ultimately in control. [30:40]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: As you consider your political choices, how can you ensure that your decisions reflect your faith and trust in God's sovereignty?
Day 3: Compassion as a Transformative Force
Compassion is a non-optional aspect of the Christian faith, calling believers to do good without expecting anything in return. This transformative force has the power to change the world through acts of kindness and love. By embodying compassion, Christians can bridge divides and foster healing in a polarized society. This selfless love reflects Christ's teachings and serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the impact of living out one's faith authentically. [34:17]
"Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one act of compassion you can perform today without expecting anything in return. How might this act reflect Christ's love to those around you?
Day 4: Engaging with Real People
Understanding political issues requires engaging with real people affected by them, fostering empathy and challenging simplistic, black-and-white thinking. This approach promotes a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of complex issues, encouraging believers to listen and learn from others' experiences. By doing so, Christians can develop a deeper empathy and a more informed perspective, allowing them to engage in meaningful dialogue and build bridges across divides. [41:14]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a political issue you feel strongly about. How can you engage with someone directly affected by this issue to gain a deeper understanding and empathy?
Day 5: Unconditional Love Amidst Disagreement
In a polarized world, Christians are called to love unconditionally, even amidst disagreements. This mature love reflects Christ's teachings and sets an example of civility and compassion. By prioritizing relationships over ideological differences, believers can demonstrate the power of love to bridge divides and foster unity. This approach not only reflects the heart of the Gospel but also serves as a powerful witness to a world in need of healing and reconciliation. [39:57]
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Consider someone with whom you have a disagreement. How can you show them unconditional love today, despite your differences?
Quotes
1) "As we enter this worship series, during this election season, most of us come with some anxiety and some worry. And we have a God bigger than all anxiety and all worry. We're going to start our worship a little differently today, with peace across the divide. We are not alone. Christ is with us. Let us take a deep breath together. The rhythm of our breath and our heartbeat is the same. Our desire for life and love is the same. Our desire for a peace in which we flourish is the same. Let this moment permeate our souls, and let us share the peace of Christ. This peace is meant for all people. The peace of Christ be with you." [12:11] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Committing ourselves to do unto others, committing ourselves to right relationship over being right, that grows us spiritually. It grows our faith. Doing unto others, as we would have them do to us, rather than how they have done to us, that grows our faith. I think I'm not the only one feeling anxious. I see anxious folks all over the place. Lots of anxiety. Even despair. People are upset about little things they wouldn't be upset about. Are you feeling some of that anxiety? Some of that upset and unrest? I want to tell you where we start. We start with the foundation. We start with the truth that sets us free. And that is that Jesus is the Savior and the King." [26:55] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "We are called to a compassion that transforms the world. And it's hard being a person of faith during an election season because the reality is, no candidate perfectly lines up with our faith and our values. There's just, we just don't. Human beings just don't line up with this faith of God. And that's one of the reasons you will not hear me telling you the right candidate or the right way to vote because it doesn't exist. Being right, in this instance, is not what's most important. Christ is." [39:19] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "We are called to be Christ followers, to build right relationship, to a compassion that transforms the world. And how we treat each other matters. It's Christ-like to be compassionate. It's moral. And we're showing the world what it means to be Christian. Because frankly, we've probably all heard some loud, obnoxious voices saying they're Christian, but they sure don't seem to be following the do unto others as you would have them do unto you rule. So that's our job. To say that we are Christian and then to live it out by doing unto others." [42:52] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "May the Holy One show you the way to do unto others with compassion. May the Christ Whose light is the center of all that is ground you in the assurance that no one is outside of that love. And may the Spirit show forth through you in extraordinary acts You never imagined You had the power to achieve. And may You know the peace that surpasses all understanding even when it is difficult to understand." [01:13:22] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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