Getting Along With Others
Welcome and Introduction
Welcome to Prepper Church! Today, we're talking about how we relate to others — especially those who are different from us. Our world is filled with division, but God calls us to something higher. Unity doesn’t mean agreeing on everything; it means choosing love, peace, and humility because of who Christ is.
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing us together. Teach us today how to live with humility, patience, and love, even when we face differences. Help us reflect You in how we treat others. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Readings
Romans 12:18 (NIV): "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Galatians 3:28 (NIV): "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV): "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Pop Culture Reference
Let us draw on the words of the great "Theologian" Sherwood Schwartz, who stated that people of different characters and backgrounds can find themselves in a situation where they need to learn how to get along and cooperate to survive. He went on to say that this lesson is still "the most important idea in the world today.
He was talking about his television show, "Gilligan's Island." And he was right: it still is the most important idea in the world today.
Andy Andrews tells the story of being asked to sing "Amazing Grace" at church as a boy... but he put it to a few different tunes he thought were better! Needless to say, his father--the church pastor--didn't agree with his ideas.
Message: Getting Along When It’s Hard
I. Why It Matters
God’s family is made up of all kinds of people and Unity shows the world that Jesus is real (John 13:34-35). We can't spread the Gospel if we’re fighting among ourselves.
II. How We Do It
Choose Humility: We don't have to win every argument.
Practice Patience: People are going to be different. Be patient when they are.
Make Peace: Work for peace, not drama. It’s an effort — but it’s worth it.
Love Like Jesus: Not because people always deserve it — but because Jesus commands it.
III. When It’s Especially Hard
When you're frustrated, pray before you react.
Remember you’re not called to fix everyone — you’re called to love them.
Forgiveness is not optional for a follower of Christ (Colossians 3:13).
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the unity we find in Jesus. As we take Communion, help us lay down pride, grudges, and fear. Build Your peace in us. Amen.
Closing
Lord, help us live what we’ve heard today. Teach us to love beyond differences, to seek peace, and to reflect Your grace. Make us people who show the world what Your love looks like. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Discussion Questions
- What does it really mean to "get along" with people who are very different from us in the church or in daily life?
- What are some real challenges and how can we overcome them without compromising truth?
- Gilligan’s Island showed seven people who had almost nothing in common surviving together. How does that mirror what God calls the church to do?
- In the Andy Andrews story, he sang the right words but in a totally different way. How can we make sure that in our differences, we stay true to the "core message" of the Gospel?
- What practical steps can we take this week to better show unity in our families, churches, and communities?
- When personalities clash, it’s easy to withdraw or fight back. How can we model patience and forgiveness like Christ taught — even when it’s hard?
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