Diversity, Unity & Division: A Bible Study

So much of life is about perspective. The seemingly simple observance of Thanksgiving is an example. If you grew up in the South versus the Midwest versus the coasts or Northeast has a big impact on what you’ll see on the table, especially the SIDES! If you’re Italian, there will likely be pasta. If you are an indigenous person or live in another country, Thanksgiving takes on a completely different flavor.

Why?

Perspective.

I love this tweet from @CourtneyEllis as she describes the wonderful diversity in her neighborhood. I agree … “pretty sure heaven will be a little bit like this.”

Thanks-neighbor-giving block party this weekend. Our Mexican neighbors are making dessert with limes from their tree, our Persian ones will bring their new baby, and our resident meat guy is starting his smoker days beforehand.

Pretty sure heaven will be a little bit like this.
— Courtney Ellis 🎈 (@courtneyellis) November 16, 2021

Diversity can either be a cause for celebration or the source of division. Which way it goes is a matter of choice and is informed by … perspective.

We are in the season when we will be with groups of people, including family, who have different perspectives – some deeply and strongly held.

Is it possible for us to disagree and yet have enough in common? Is it possible to be a diverse community that argues and yet is civil—that is diverse yet has unity?
Diversity, Unity & Division: A Bible Study // Pr. Jeff Wilson

I wrote a Bible study that is available for free from Faith+Lead * that can be used as a single Bible study if you have a lot of time, such as a church retreat. It can also be used in sections over a period of five weeks.

If you use it, I’d love to hear how it goes for you and the people in your group.