Key Scriptures

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:1-4

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7 ESV

In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:22 ESV

Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. Matthew 12:25 ESV

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

• What are some barriers to unity?

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

• Why do you think unity is so important?
• How does this apply to the church and the body of Christ?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

• Jesus said He would send the Holy Spirit to live in us and to help us in our Christian walk. In what ways has the Holy Spirit made a difference in your life towards others?
• The Holy Spirit gives each of us different gifts and graces that are to be used to build up one another. In what way/ways has the Holy Spirit used you to bless others?
• Can you think of a time when someone used of God to minister to you? How did that make you feel?

Start praying.

Ask the Holy Spirit to come and abide in you and help you live in unity and peace with one another. Ask for the fruit of the spirit to mature in your life (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.) Galatians 5:22-23

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

• Paul said we are being built up into a living house for His presence to dwell in. Ephesians 2:22 ESV
• His Holy Spirit that dwells in us is likened to a dove - If you had a dove on your shoulder and did not want him to fly away – how would that change the way you walked and acted?
• What can you do this week to not grieve the Holy Spirit of God? Ephesians 4:30 ESV
• Start the 5 day devotional plan Cultivating Unity.