God, Help Us Unite We will take a break in our message series this coming Sunday and address the unrest in our nation and how a Christian should respond to it. When our world is divided and people are hurting, what’s our responsibility as followers of Christ? Where do we even start? In this message, we’ll learn how we can embrace the role God wants us to play in bringing unity and healing.
Message: GOD, HELP US UNITE
Text: Micah 6:8
Sunday, June 14, 2020
Pastor Tom Cogle
The LORD God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.” Micah 6:8 CEV
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it … 1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 NIV
“Believers of color want their brothers and sisters to call out the injustice around them. They want to stand in unity in rebuking a wayward culture.”– Dr. Charlie Dates
HOW TO HELP THE HEALING AND STOP THE INJUSTICE
1. Admit racism is real.
We can’t be a part of a solution to a problem that we don’t acknowledge exists.
2. Listen.
Some of the most powerful moments in life happen outside your relational comfort zone.
3. Pray.
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. … Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”John 17:20-21, 23 NIV
4. Love.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.Proverbs 10:12 NIV
Do what’s right. Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly.
TALK IT OVER
How often do you listen to perspectives different from your own?How might doing so more regularly challenge or change your ways of thinking?
How can you make a point to regularly pray for justice, compassion, restoration, unity, and many other needs we have that only God can help us meet?
What are some ways you can push back against racism by loving boldly, recklessly, generously, and unconditionally this week?
Have a conversation with someone whose story and background is different than your own, even if what they have to say might make you uncomfortable.