Week of 5/17/26:Living in Harmony
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Filled with PowerWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Living in Harmony
Sermon Text: Acts 9 : 19 – 30
Primary Reading: Acts 25 – 28
Secondary Reading: Romans 14 – 16
Memory Verses (Through May 23rd): Titus 2:11–14 (ESV)
[11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,
[12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,
[13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
[14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
1 | Theme Reflection - "Living in Harmony"
Harmony is not the absence of difference.
It is the work of the Spirit holding different people together in Christ.
His peace does not come from control or or lack of opposition, but from trust in God’s purposes.
In Romans 14–16, Paul calls the Church to a unity deeper than shared opinions:
“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Harmony does not remove tension; it teaches us how to live faithfully within it.
Harmony is not the absence of difference.
It is the work of the Spirit holding different people together in Christ.
In Acts 25–28, Paul faces opposition, danger, and uncertainty, yet he remains steady.
His peace does not come from control or or lack of opposition, but from trust in God’s purposes.
In Romans 14–16, Paul calls the Church to a unity deeper than shared opinions:
“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
To Be the Church - Living in Harmony is to remain joined to Christ and one another, even when we disagree.
Harmony does not remove tension; it teaches us how to live faithfully within it.
Where pride insists on being right, humility seeks the good of others.
Where convictions differ, love defines our words and actions towards one another.
The Spirit’s power is not shown by volume or dominance, but by a shared grace filled lives.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - The RECONCILIATION Prayer
This week, ask God to bring to mind one relationship marked by distance, irritation or misunderstanding.
Pause to pray for that person each day.
If the Spirit leads, reach out with a word of peace - not to win, but to listen.
Pray simply:
Tune my heart to love as You love.”
This week, ask God to bring to mind one relationship marked by distance, irritation or misunderstanding.
Pause to pray for that person each day.
If the Spirit leads, reach out with a word of peace - not to win, but to listen.
Pray simply:
“Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace.
Tune my heart to love as You love.”
Being a peacemaker begins not with an attitude of fixing others, but by yielding our lives to the leading of the Spirit of Christ.
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine Peace
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of right relationship - with God and with others
Through Christ, we are reconciled to the Father and commissioned as peacemakers in the world.
This peace is both a gift and a calling: a fruit of the Spirit and a command to obey.
When believers live at peace, they foreshadow the kingdom to come - a world healed by love and ruled by grace.
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of right relationship - with God and with others
Through Christ, we are reconciled to the Father and commissioned as peacemakers in the world.
This peace is both a gift and a calling: a fruit of the Spirit and a command to obey.
When believers live at peace, they foreshadow the kingdom to come - a world healed by love and ruled by grace.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)
“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Rom. 12:18)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Gal. 5:22–23)
5 | Missional Focus - Harmony as Witness
The world notices when enemies eat together, when disagreements end with prayer and when love outlasts frustration.
The gospel advances through a Church that sings in unity, not uniformity.
This week, seek one way to create peace - between coworkers, within your family or among neighbors.
Small moments of reconciliation become loud declarations of Christ’s power.
The world notices when enemies eat together, when disagreements end with prayer and when love outlasts frustration.
The gospel advances through a Church that sings in unity, not uniformity.
This week, seek one way to create peace - between coworkers, within your family or among neighbors.
Small moments of reconciliation become loud declarations of Christ’s power.
“Lord, let my life preach the gospel of Christ so that others may know You.”
6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 9 : 19–30)
From the Readings
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 9 : 19–30)
- What do we learn from Barnabas’s role in reconciling Saul to the disciples?
- How does this passage illustrate harmony built through trust and grace rather than fear?
From the Readings
- How does Paul’s conduct in Acts 25–28 model harmony in the midst of trial and opposition?
- What principles from Romans 14–15 help the Church maintain unity when believers differ in conscience or conviction?
From Personal Reflection
- Where do you find it hardest to live at peace - with whom, or in what area of life?
- How does remembering God’s patience toward you alter your posture toward others?
From Community Life
- How can our group embody harmony when we disagree - about preferences, priorities or perspectives?
- What does a “harmonious church” look like to the watching world?
Questions for Children
- Who helped Saul become friends with the other believers?
- What does it mean to live in peace with others?
- How can you help your family or friends get along when they argue?
- Why does Jesus want His people to love each other even when it’s hard?
7 | Closing Prayer
God of peace,
Thank you for the wonder of my salvation.
Thank you that though I was your avowed enemy, Christ died for me!
Thank you for removing my heart of stone and putting in me a heart of flesh.
Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who comforts me in the midst of suffering.
Holy Spirit, thank you for interceding on my behalf when all I have are groans.
Please help me walk in the peace and reconciliation I have with the Father through Christ.
Please forgive me of my sins (take a second to confess any sins as needed), and empower me to walk faithfully in heart, mind, word, and deed. May I delight in you, and may your peace go forth from me into those around me who don’t know you. Lord save!
Amen.