MESSAGE TITLE
The Separation of Church and Hate
sermon guide
Our verse for this series is James 1:20: “Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
It seems like there are an increasing number of Christians who are fueling anger. Gene said he believes Satan is using politics, racism and a pandemic to divide us from one another.
Followers of Jesus are to be known for love, not hatred.
Ask different people to read the following verses: John 13:35, Matthew 5:44, Titus 3:3, 1 John 2:9 and 4:20.
What is the overwhelming message to us as believers?
In Romans 12, the apostle Paul wrote some very helpful and practical suggestions for loving difficult people, even seemingly impossible people. What it starts with is that “Love must be sincere” (Romans 12:9a).
When we understand that love is a decision, a commitment of the will—not just a feeling—how does that change one’s attitude and behavior?
Gene encouraged us to think about how we engage with people on social media. People say and do things online they would never be comfortable saying face to face. We could respectfully disagree with someone, but now there is so much anger raging that instead of criticizing the content of someone’s post, we attack their character because they disagree with us. We are challenged to love in a way that diffuses hate and honors Jesus. When we do that, we make a powerful statement to the world about the love of God.
How did Gene’s statements regarding social media make you rethink how you approach what you post?
Are there people that you need to avoid discussions with during this season—particularly on social media—for your soul’s sake?
We are facing an extremely contentious election. Gene challenged us to put love over politics. Recalling Jesus’ example with his 12 disciples, Gene stated that it is possible for us to disagree politically and still love unconditionally. He warned against doing something now that will sacrifice your opportunities for spiritual influence with others in the future.
What if you were to decide that between now and November 3rd, “I will love my neighbor as myself”? What changes would that bring about in your life?
Brainstorm practical ways to love unconditionally online and in person during this season.
Have someone read Matthew 22:21.
Jesus was explaining that believers are citizens of two kingdoms; therefore, fulfill your spiritual responsibility to God and fulfill your civic responsibility to the government where you live.
What is your greatest challenge in living between these two tensions?
Have someone read Romans 12: 9-17.
Our natural impulse and the spirit of our age is the opposite of this, saying, “I don’t get mad, I get even.” A great place to start doing thing’s God’s way is to pray.
Application
What is God saying to you today?
Who is the opponent, the enemy, the party, the person, the opposition that you could show some unconditional love to?
Spend time this week in prayer for the upcoming election, ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and guide you.
WRAP UP & PRAYER
Have each person share their prayer requests. Ask someone to type them up and share the list with the group. This week spend time daily praying for your group.
Spend time praying for each other and for our church and our nation. Pray Gene’s closing prayer as a group:
God, my prayer is very simple today… May we be known not for hatred, but for being people who genuinely love like Jesus loved… sincerely, unconditionally. Show us who needs our love and who we can intentionally love this week. May we in these unprecedented times not be overcome by evil. But may we overcome evil with good. In Jesus’ name and for his sake. Amen.