SUMMARY:

At the 2017 Global Leadership Summit, Bill Hybels described the unprecedented level of divisiveness that exists in society right now and challenged leaders to raise the level of civility and respect in their organizations. In this episode of the GLS Podcast, Jeff Lockyer interviews Andy Stanley on the topic of civility and respect—drawing out insights on how Christian leaders should rise above fear and divisiveness to live out of love.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The divisiveness in society is frustrating to many of us.
• Christians always look better when defending other people’s rights vs. defending our own.
• There are those in our society stirring up fear—and fear is a powerful emotion.
• Heroes of the faith fear very little and love like crazy.
• In a better world, those outside the Church would be critical of what we believe but would envy how we love each other.
• We want our reputation to be what we are doing in the community—more than what we believe inside the walls of the Church.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. Think about the divisiveness of our society right now.
   • How does the divisiveness and incivility affect you on a personal level?
   • At work?
   • At church?
2. Reflecting on the podcast conversation, what one idea or concept about civility and respect resonated most deeply with you?
3. What is one thing you could do this week to raise the level of civility and respect in your sphere of influence?

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Isaiah 41:10

John 13:34-35

1 John 4:18

Matthew 22:36-40

Matthew 5:16

Romans 12:10

John 17:4

1 John 4:18

Philippians 2:6

John 15

Matthew 18

Bill Hybels’ Message: Respect Everyone Always

Andy Stanley’s Message: Avoiding Election Infection

Jeff Lockyer’s Message: Love Beyond Belief

Bill Hybels’ Ten Rules of Respect

Michael Jackson, Man in the Mirror

RELATED LINKS:

North Point Community Church

Willow Creek Community Church

The Global Leadership Summit