RECAP: In these Divided States everyone wants to think Jesus would be on their side. But Jesus “didn’t come to take sides, he came to take over”. When we think power, position, or political party is our savior, or our hope, we are in trouble. God’s Kingdom is what brings hope and his Kingdom is advancing no matter who wins the White House. The Kingdom Jesus talked about wasn’t about power or political position, it was a culturally disruptive movement of love. This new world order put everyone on equal footing and this radical love shocked the world but also changed it. So, we might disagree politically but we can still love unconditionally. Our focus, whether we lean to one side of the political aisle or the other, needs to be on God’s Kingdom over party. Focused on “fulfilling the law of Christ” by loving others, striving for unity and seeing the world change through our love.

QUESTIONS:
(1) When you’re with family, do you discuss politics or avoid it? Would you like to change one way or the other? Why?
(2)When it comes to having conversations about politics, would you describe yourself as more unifying or disruptive? What’s something you can do (or stop doing) to approach political conversations in a healthier way?
(3)In God’s Kingdom, Jesus didn’t lead by going for a power grab or a seat at table politically. He called people to love others and painted the picture of a Kingdom where everyone had equal footing. What’s attractive about that picture? Why do you think we fall for thinking things will only be okay if our political party wins?
(4)Read Galatians 3:26-28. What sticks out to you in this passage? What does this say about this new Kingdom? About unity?
(5)Read Galatians 6:2, where Paul summarizes how we can practically fulfill the law of Christ. What stands out to you? How can we all follow the law of Christ but still disagree politically?
(6)How could you “carry each other’s burdens” this week? Is there someone you disagree with politically that you could love unconditionally this week by carrying their burden? What will you do?
(7)Vote. Vote your law of Christ informed conscience. But, that means you can only vote “Republican LITE or Democrat LITE, because your main responsibility is to bring the LIGHT”. What can you do this week, to put Kingdom over party and to bring the light of Jesus to those around you?

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, this week help me to not put my hope in a political party, platform or candidate. Help me to not ride the emotions of the news cycle. I want and need to find my hope in you. In your Kingdom. This week help me to put your Kingdom over party. Help me to love unconditionally even when I don’t agree politically. Help me to care about what you care about, but to not think I know everyone’s motives or that I have the corner market on how you think about every single issue. I want to be a person of both truth and grace. God, I want to be part of this movement of culturally disruptive unity and love that shocks the world and brings real hope. I pledge my allegiance to you, God. In Jesus’ name, Amen.