RECAP: In these Divided States we’re told that we have to choose sides. Fear is stoked, battle lines are drawn and we’re told to choose. That is a false narrative. As followers of Jesus we are supposed to see the value and worth of every single person and to love and honor those made in God’s image which means we can support police officers trying to serve their community and stand with our black brothers and sisters against racism in all its forms. Racism is not a political issue, it’s a Kingdom issue. God’s vision for the future is an inclusive diversity of nationalities, colors and languages and Jesus modeled a love for those that are different than us, leveling the playing field for all. As followers of Jesus we’re called to stand with people who are hurting and stand against injustice. Our love of God is authenticated in how we lead in these ways.

(1)Growing up, what were the dominant views of those around you regarding people of different races?

(2)Why do you think people get so defensive when racism is brought up?

(3)Read Revelation 7:9-10. What do you think that vision might look like? What do you think it would like to try and make that vision become a reality now?

(4)Read John 4 (yup, a whole chapter). What are the most interesting or surprising elements of this encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman?

(5)How does Jesus befriend and break down walls?

(6)When we stand with people made in God’s image we will empathize with them. What do you think that might look like with our police officers? What do you think that might look like with our black brother and sisters?

(7)If our black community is hurting, what do you think it might look like to “suffer with” (1 Corinthians 12:26) or to “mourn with” (Romans 12:15)?

(8)What can you do to stand against injustice? It’s not enough to not be perpetrating injustice, we need to call it out when we see it. We are to “act justly” – Micah 6:8.

(9)The new command that Jesus gave us to “love one another as Jesus has loved us” is a command. Our love of God is authenticated by how we love others. What does this look like with people who are different than us?