Our world thrives on division, but Paul reminds us that even division itself is a sin. At Prairie Lakes, what unites us is not opinions or preferences, but faith in Jesus expressed through love.

Discussion

1. Prairie Lakes is a “No Matter” church—no matter who you are, where you’ve been, what you’ve done, or what’s been done to you, you can belong here. Which makes us made up of people from all kinds of backgrounds and church experiences. Which part of that “No Matter” phrase connects most with your own story, and why?

2. Revisit and read 1 Corinthians 1:10-13. Division has been a challenge for the church since the very beginning (the verse you just reviewed was only one example). Where do you see divisions playing out in our world or the church today—and what kind of impact is it making?

3. Revisit and read Galatians 5:19-21. In Paul’s “sin list,” division is named alongside all these other issues. Does this reality challenge the way you treat division compared to other sins? Why or why not?

4. Where do you sense a pull toward division right now? When it gets triggered in you, what do you usually feel or notice in yourself? How do you need to process that with God—and how might you need to bring in a trusted friend or church leader for help?

5. Revisit and read Galatians 5:6. It can be easy to make other (less important) issues our focus. Rather than making sure you—or others—do or believe the “right” thing, how would simply focusing on believing in God’s love for you change how you approach church and relationships?

Application

• Protect Unity. Notice when division is creeping in and take steps to address it honestly with God and trusted people.
• Strengthen Faith. Center your thoughts on God’s unconditional love for you, letting it shape your perspective before reacting.
• Express Love. Let your belief in God’s love guide how you interact with others in your church, home, and community.