Talking Points | Week 2
INTRODUCTION
Our political views are shaped by a number of variables: our backgrounds, education, and personal experiences to name a few. It’s easy to feel like our view is the right one, but the person beside you is more precious to God than your political view.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1.When you’re with family, do you discuss politics or avoid it? Would you like to change that one way or the other? Why?
2.Read Galatians 6:2, where Paul summarizes how we can practically fulfill the law of Christ.
What stands out to you?
How can we all follow the law of Christ but still disagree politically?
Do you generally trust that someone who votes differently than you has an informed conscience?
3.Read 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, where Paul talks about his method of influence.
What stands out to you?
How would you rate yourself in trying to empathize and understand someone else’s mindset?
4.Many times our cultural contexts determine our political perspectives. As Rufus Miles said, “Where you stand depends on where you sit.”
How does that thought resonate with you?
Do you really feel you would think different politically if you had a different set of past and current experiences?
5.Read John 17:20–23, where Jesus offers a prayer for future believers.
What stands out to you?
In verse 23, Jesus prays for unity. How does unity differentiate us from the rest of the world?
Is unity something that is natural to people?
NEXT STEP
Some ways forward when it comes to navigating politics in our relationships:
Listen to people who don’t experience the world the way you do.
Learn from others by being a student instead of a critic.
Love people enough to not burn a relational bridge over a political view.