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SET OUR HEARTS ABLAZE: A Need to Connect with Others


Icebreaker:
What do/did you like most about going back to school?
What do/did you like least about going back to school?

Overview:
The love of Jesus naturally creates a love of others in us. We need the love of other human beings to survive. As Christians, a loving connection with other believers is vitally important to our spiritual development and well-being. Jesus prayed to the Father that we would love, connect and depend on each other. His prayer is that we are one in a spirit of unity with other Christians just as He is One with the Father. Set our hearts ablaze with a desire for unity!

Discussion:
Read John 17:1-26.
Knowing Him Connects Us:
How do you feel when you first meet another Christian?
Why does knowing Jesus connect us?
He Is Glorified In Us:
How did Jesus glorify God?
How do we glorify God?
How does having unity with other believers glorify God?
Unity:
What does unity with other believers mean?
How do we handle differing opinions?
How much are we to love other Christians?

Prayer:
Pray for wisdom from the Holy Spirit to have unity with other believers.

Daily Scripture Reading: “A Need to Connect with Others”
Monday, August 13 — Developing a spirit of unity with fellow believers not only makes God joyful but also us. Read Philippians 2:1-11. Verse 2: “complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”

Tuesday, August 14 — Unity with others just makes us feel good. Try it. It may be just what you need to do to help heal a relationship that has been making you feel bad. Read Psalm 133. Verse 1: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Wednesday, August 15 — There is a great deal of conflict and strife in our nation and world. Do your part to bring unity and love to your little part of it. Read 1 Peter 3:8-17. Verse 8: “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”

Thursday, August 16 — There is power in our words and actions. The Holy Spirit dwelling in us makes unity with other believers possible. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. Verse 17: “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

Friday, August 17 — We won’t always agree with our brothers and sisters in Christ but, when we do, we experience a little bit of Heaven on earth. Read 2 Corinthians 13:11-14. Verse 11: “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”


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