The Elephant / Donkey in the Room

FEAR We fear loss. Our fear doesn't have to be based in reality for it to affect us in a very real way. ANGER The danger of "us-vs-them" UNITY Psalm 133:1 John 17:1-21 John 15:12 Unity is God's will for us. HOPE the kingdom of God wins or loses based on the strength of our unity around the Truth of the Gospel, the hope of the resurrection, and the mission of the church, to love people into a growing relationship with Jesus. Why do we allow ourselves to pledge our allegiance to lesser kings and lesser kingdoms? When we lose control, we hold tightest to the source of our hope. Let's share contagious hope! REFLECTION: Anger How have you processed your anger through this election season? Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there someone you need to apologize to? What adjustments do you need to make to ensure that your anger is surrendered to God? Fear Ask yourself: in light of this election, what am I fearful of? Is this fear based in reality or perception? If the thing you fear came to be, could you still thrive in the kingdom of God? Would the Holy Spirit be enough for you? Unity How critical have you been in recent months of people with different views than yours? How can you learn to focus on the image of God in the people around you? Hope The kingdom of God wins or loses based on the strength of our unity around the Truth of the Gospel, the hope of the resurrection, and the mission of the church, to love people into a growing relationship with Jesus. Let’s be mindful of the source of our hope, the reason we can be hopeful about the future… our hope must be rooted firmly and only in Jesus!