Philippians 2:1-5, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” (NIV) 

Philippians 2:3, ‘Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves.” (TPT) 

Ephesians 4:2, ‘Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love” (NLT)

1 Peter 3:8-9, “Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing.” (NLT)

Psalms 133:1-3, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is. For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.” (NKJV)

• List 5 behaviors/attitudes that stifle unity.
• Why are pride-filled opinions an easy trap to fall into? What are some ways to avoid falling into this trap?
• Do you believe that unity requires a new way of thinking about yourself? Why or why not?
• List 5 behaviors/attitudes that foster unity.
• According to Ephesians 4:2, whose responsibility is it to become the initiator of unity?  What makes that possible?

Commit to pray this prayer everyday for the next week:

Father God, set me free from all bondage of pride, self-importance, and selfish ambition.  I ask for Your grace to empower me to walk out a life of love and unity with those I come into contact with.  Empower me to love as you love, to serve as you serve, and to give as you have so freely given to me.  Help me to be the initiator of unity in my community. Amen.