As teenagers, we are often faced with the challenge of finding our identity and place in the world. We crave acceptance and belonging, yet at times, we struggle with feeling disconnected. The apostle Paul’s words to the church in Corinth remind us that unity is essential for our growth as individuals and as a community of believers. In this lesson, we will explore what it means to grow in unity and how it can impact our faith.
Bible Reading 1: 2 Corinthians 13:11-12 (NIV)
“11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
Explanation
- Unity brings joy: Paul starts by encouraging the believers in Corinth to rejoice. When we are united, we experience joy that comes from being part of a community that shares a common purpose and vision.
- Unity requires effort: Paul exhorts the believers to strive for full restoration, which means working towards reconciliation where there has been conflict or division. This requires effort and willingness to forgive.
- Unity involves encouragement: We are called to encourage one another in our faith journey. When we lift each other up, we create a culture of support and positivity.
- Unity is rooted in peace: Paul emphasizes the importance of living in peace with one another. This means being intentional about resolving conflicts and seeking understanding.
- Unity reflects God’s love and peace: When we are united, we reflect the character of God, who is the source of love and peace.
Bible Reading 2: 2 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Explanation
- Unity is found in the Trinity: Paul concludes his letter by invoking the Trinity – the Lord Jesus Christ, God the Father, and the Holy Spirit – as the source of grace, love, and fellowship. The Trinity represents perfect unity, and we are called to imitate that unity in our relationships with one another.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What comes to mind when you think of unity?
- Have you ever experienced conflict or division within a group of believers? How did you handle it?
- In what ways can we encourage one another in our faith journey?
- What are some practical steps we can take to live in peace with one another?
- How can we reflect God’s love and peace to the world through our unity?
Youth Group Game
Unity Tower: Divide the group into teams of four or five. Give each team a set of building blocks (e.g., Jenga blocks). Instruct them to build the tallest tower possible using all the blocks. The catch is that they can only use one hand each and cannot speak during the game. This game teaches teamwork and nonverbal communication.
Closing Prayer
Dear God, we thank you for the gift of unity. Help us to strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, and live in peace. May your grace, love, and fellowship be with us always, as we seek to imitate the perfect unity of the Trinity. Amen.