Unity Through Love: Embracing the Jesus Way

 

Summary

In the midst of a divisive political climate, it's crucial to remember that the majority of us are hardworking, everyday people who desire unity and progress. We may not always be the loudest voices, but we are the backbone of our nation. Our strength lies in our ability to rise above the fear and division often propagated by extreme political factions. Fear is a powerful tool, but it only works if we allow it to. Instead, we should focus on the way of Jesus, which offers a path forward through love, respect, and unity.

The way of Jesus is not about religion; it's about a lifestyle that prioritizes others above self. This approach was revolutionary in Jesus' time and remains so today. It calls us to honor and love one another unconditionally, even when we disagree politically. This creates an environment where we can work together to find solutions to our nation's challenges. Political alignment is not necessary for us to care for each other and carry each other's burdens. We've all experienced moments of kindness and generosity that transcend political differences, and this is the essence of the Jesus way.

Jesus demonstrated this by washing the feet of His disciples, showing that differences should not divide us. While this act didn't solve their disagreements, it ensured unity among them. Similarly, in our context, showing respect and kindness keeps us connected, enabling us to address our nation's problems more effectively. Unity is not about uniformity but about working together for the common good. Disagreement is inevitable, but division and disrespect are choices we can avoid.

Let's strive to be better than just law-abiding citizens. Let's listen more, speak less, and refuse to demonize those with different views. Let's act justly and responsibly, calling out unkindness and dishonesty when necessary. By living and leading with love, we can regain the moral high ground and serve as the conscience of our nation. We may never agree on every issue, but we can stand united in our commitment to do what's best for our nation and its people. Our common ground is our shared desire for the well-being of all, and that's all we need to move forward together.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Unity: In a divided world, unity among everyday people is our strength. We may not be the loudest, but we are essential to the nation's direction. By refusing to let fear divide us, we can work together for the common good. [01:23]

2. The Way of Jesus: The way of Jesus is not about religion but a lifestyle that prioritizes others. It offers a path forward through love and respect, creating an environment for finding solutions to our challenges. [02:51]

3. Unconditional Love and Political Disagreement: It's possible to love unconditionally while disagreeing politically. This approach fosters an environment for problem-solving and unity, transcending political differences. [04:49]

4. Acts of Service and Unity: Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet teaches us that differences should not divide us. Acts of kindness and respect keep us connected, enabling us to address problems together. [06:08]

5. Choosing Unity Over Division: Unity is not about uniformity but working together for the common good. Disagreement is inevitable, but division and disrespect are choices we can avoid to foster progress. [06:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Addressing Everyday People
- [00:27] - Weariness of Political Rhetoric
- [00:40] - Impact on Relationships
- [00:54] - The Power of the Majority
- [01:23] - Overcoming Fear
- [01:40] - The Way Forward
- [02:08] - Avoiding Complaints and Inaction
- [02:40] - The Way of Jesus
- [03:03] - Jesus' Historical Context
- [03:33] - The Appeal of Jesus' Way
- [04:01] - The Upside-Down Approach
- [04:17] - Relational Bridges
- [04:34] - Love and Political Disagreement
- [05:19] - The Example of Jesus
- [06:08] - Unity Through Service
- [06:42] - Unity Over Division
- [07:23] - Listening and Kindness
- [08:07] - Commitment to the Common Good

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet
2. Matthew 5:43-48 - Love Your Enemies
3. Romans 12:9-21 - Marks of the True Christian

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### Observation Questions

1. What specific act did Jesus perform for His disciples that demonstrated humility and service? How did this act serve as a lesson for them? [05:35]

2. According to the sermon, what is the "superpower" of everyday people in the context of political division? [00:54]

3. How does the sermon describe the way of Jesus in contrast to the religious practices of His time? [03:03]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the potential impact of refusing to let fear divide us? [01:23]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. How does the act of Jesus washing His disciples' feet illustrate the concept of unity despite differences? What message was Jesus conveying to His followers through this act? [06:08]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the way of Jesus provides a relational bridge for addressing national challenges? How does this approach differ from political or ideological alignment? [04:17]

3. The sermon mentions that disagreement is unavoidable, but division and disrespect are choices. How can this perspective influence the way individuals engage in political or social discussions? [06:42]

4. How does the sermon propose that living and leading with love can help regain the moral high ground and serve as the conscience of a nation? [07:54]

---

### Application Questions

1. Reflect on a recent political or social disagreement you had. How can you apply the principle of loving unconditionally while disagreeing politically in future interactions? [04:49]

2. Consider a situation where you felt divided from someone due to differing views. What practical steps can you take to show respect and kindness to maintain a connection? [06:27]

3. Identify a fear that has been influencing your perspective on national or community issues. How can you actively choose not to let this fear divide you from others? [01:23]

4. Think of a time when you were tempted to complain about a situation without taking action. What is one small step you can take this week to contribute positively to that situation? [02:23]

5. How can you incorporate the "others first" approach of Jesus into your daily routine? Identify one specific action you can take to prioritize someone else's needs this week. [04:01]

6. Reflect on a relationship that has been strained due to political differences. What is one way you can initiate a conversation that focuses on common ground rather than differences? [08:21]

7. In what ways can you be quick to listen and slow to speak in your interactions this week? Identify a specific conversation where you can practice this approach. [07:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Diversity
In a world often divided by political and social differences, the strength of a community lies in its ability to unite for the common good. Everyday people, though not always the loudest, are essential in steering the nation towards progress. By choosing to rise above fear and division, individuals can work together to create a more harmonious society. Unity does not require uniformity; rather, it calls for collaboration and mutual respect despite differing opinions. This collective effort can overcome the fear that often divides us, allowing us to focus on shared goals and aspirations. [01:23]

"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 with whom you have a political disagreement. How can you reach out to them this week to find common ground and work towards a shared goal?


Day 2: The Lifestyle of Jesus
The way of Jesus transcends religious boundaries and offers a lifestyle that prioritizes love and respect for others. This approach, revolutionary in its time, remains relevant today as it encourages individuals to honor and love one another unconditionally. By adopting this lifestyle, people can create an environment conducive to finding solutions to societal challenges. The focus is on serving others and placing their needs above personal interests, fostering a community where collaboration and understanding thrive. [02:51]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can prioritize someone else's needs above your own today. How can this act of service reflect the lifestyle of Jesus in your daily interactions?


Day 3: Love Beyond Political Differences
Unconditional love is possible even amidst political disagreements. This approach fosters an environment where problem-solving and unity can flourish, transcending political differences. By choosing to love others despite differing views, individuals can build bridges and create a more inclusive community. This love is not contingent on agreement but is a deliberate choice to value and respect others, paving the way for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. [04:49]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Consider someone whose political views differ from yours. How can you show them love and respect this week, even if you don't agree with their perspective?


Day 4: Acts of Service as a Unifying Force
Jesus' act of washing His disciples' feet serves as a powerful reminder that differences should not divide us. Acts of kindness and respect are essential in maintaining connections and addressing problems collectively. By serving others, individuals can demonstrate humility and foster unity, creating an environment where collaboration and understanding are prioritized. These acts of service are not about solving disagreements but about ensuring that respect and kindness remain at the forefront of interactions. [06:08]

"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." (Galatians 5:13, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a simple act of service you can perform for someone today. How can this act help bridge a gap or strengthen a relationship in your life?


Day 5: Choosing Unity Over Division
Unity is a choice that requires intentional effort to work together for the common good. While disagreements are inevitable, division and disrespect are choices that can be avoided. By choosing unity, individuals can foster progress and create a more harmonious society. This commitment to unity involves listening more, speaking less, and refusing to demonize those with different views. It is about standing united in the shared desire for the well-being of all, regardless of differing opinions. [06:42]

"So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding." (Romans 14:19, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent disagreement you had. How can you approach future disagreements with a mindset of unity and mutual respect, focusing on what unites rather than divides?

Quotes

There is way more of us than there is of them. There're just louder. And our problem is, actually, our superpower is we don't give the world anything to talk about or complain about. We're busy. We're busy minding our own business, right? And taking care of business and taking care of our families. And while we might not get a lot of attention, we determine the direction of our nation because the nation can't go anywhere without us. We are we, the people, the normal, hardworking, healthy people. [00:50:46]

The reason that the far left and the far right leverage fear is because, well, it works if we let it. So don't let it, the sky is not falling. There's a way forward. There's a way through, but it will require something of all of us. And that's okay, right? Because our nation is strong because of generations of people who came before us, who did hard things, did things that were required of them, men and women who refused the path of least resistance. [00:87:87]

I'm convinced, and I'm certainly not alone in this, but I'm convinced the way of Jesus is actually the way forward for our nation in this cultural moment. And if you're not a religious person, hear me out. By the way of Jesus, I'm not referring to a religious movement or really anything religious. When Jesus stepped onto the pages of history, religion was broken. Romans and Greeks had more Gods than they could keep up with or that they could keep happy. [00:165:21]

The way of Jesus wasn't a religious way then or now, but oddly enough, we're still talking about and quoting Jesus. Even more surprising, the empire that crucified Him eventually embraced Him, worshiped Him. Why? Because His followers embraced a way, an approach to life that was so contrary to the selfish, violent, winner take all culture of the day that it stood out. They led out. Their way, the Jesus way attracted men and women from every corner of Jewish and non-Jewish society. [00:198:99]

It was their upside down, others first, race to the back of the line, let me carry your burden, go the second mile approach to life. Now, the reason I'm convinced that the way of Jesus is the way forward for our nation is this. As you already know, as a nation, we will never fully agree on solutions to our nation's challenges. But the way of Jesus provides a relational bridge, a bridge that provides the optimal environment for hammering out the best, even if imperfect solutions. [00:238:65]

Because the way of Jesus mandates, mandates that we honor one another regardless of our differences, regardless of political differences. Think about it, it is possible. You know this, it's possible to love unconditionally and disagree politically. And that approach, that approach creates the optimal context and environment for problem solving. Political and ideological alignment is not a prerequisite for honoring one another, caring for one another and carrying one another's burdens. [00:269:52]

The last thing Jesus did for His closest followers before He was arrested was wash their feet. And when He finished, He told them why He did it. And it wasn't because their feet were dirty. He washed their feet, so they wouldn't have any excuses not to wash each other's feet. There were dozens of things the men in that room disagreed about. There were things they disagreed with Jesus about, but when He, their rabbi, their teacher, their Lord got on his knees and did the work of a slave, the message was clear. [00:328:71]

Washing their feet did not solve anything, but it ensured that their differences would not divide them. In our context, showing respect for one another, being kind to one another, showing up for one another, those things don't address our nation's problems, but what they do is they keep us connected, so that we can better address our nation's problems. The best thing for our nation, the best thing for the health and prosperity of our nation is for us to work together for the common good. [00:369:78]

Unity is the win. Unity is how we win. Unity is primary. And by unity, I don't mean uniformity or 100% agreement. Disagreement is unavoidable, but division and disrespect, those are choices. Fearmongering is a choice. Branding other people as evil or a whole party as evil, it's a choice. It's a bad choice. And none of those things are necessary. And none of them facilitate progress. They impede progress. Why? Because they divide us. And division is not a winning strategy. [00:400:62]

Let's do what's just, not what we can justify. Let's do what's responsible, not what's permissible. Let's be kind and yet willing to call out unkindness, let's be honest, and yet willing to call out dishonesty, especially when it undermines somebody's dignity. Let's, well, let's just do for others what we would want others to do for us if the roles were reversed. Let's live, let's love, and let's lead in such a way that we, the people, regain the moral high ground and serve as the conscience of our nation. [00:454:80]

We will never all see eye to eye on how to address the issues of our day, but we can stand shoulder to shoulder in our commitment to do what's best for our nation and what's best for the people in our nation. We will never all agree on what's best for people, but we can agree that what's best for people is what's best. That is our common ground, and that's all the common ground we need. [00:487:11]

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Transcript
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