Lesson 1 Conflict, reconciliation and love Cover photo: Students of Pamua Secondary school in the Solomon Islands show a sign of love. © ABM/Jess Melas Lesson 1 Conflict, reconciliation and love

Marks of Mission Witness to Christ’s saving, forgiving and reconciling love for all people Build welcoming, transforming communities of faith Stand in solidarity with the poor and needy Challenge violence, injustice and oppression, and work for peace and reconciliation Protect, care for and renew life on our planet

Conflict What does it look like?

Arguing Image from Pexels.com by Gratisography. Free stock image.

Fighting Image from Pexels.com by Gratisography. Free stock image.

War Buildings destroyed in the Gazan strip, during the July 2015 conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces. © ABM/Julianne Stewart, 2016.

Image from Pexels.com by Somchai Kongkamsri. Free stock image.

Refugees flee from violence due to the South Sudanese Civil War, which started in December 2013. ABM has supported humanitarian aid to refugees through the Episcopal Relief and Development agency, based in New York.

South Sudanese refugees divide up food relief supplies, delivered by international agencies. ABM has supported humanitarian aid to refugees through the Episcopal Relief and Development agency, based in New York.

Nahimana The name Nahimana literally means “Only God can intervene” Image of Nahimana was provided by the Anglican Communion, 2015. Used with permission.

Questions What dangers or difficulties would the refugees have experienced as they fled Kinama? What compelled Nahimana to share her home with the four families? What was the response from the refugees to this selfless love?

Bible reading John 15: 9-13 Matthew 22: 36-40

Discussion Think about this Mark of Mission of the Anglican Church – to “Witness to Christ’s saving, forgiving and reconciling love for all people”. How did Nahimana witness to Christ’s love? What affect does Christ’s love and grace have on us? How might we participate in, and witness to this love in the world around us? Share an experience from your own life of Christ’s saving, forgiving, and reconciling love.

Prayer Almighty God, our heavenly Father, We thank You for the selfless love of Jesus, Which found its full expression on the cross, As He died to take our sins.   Please forgive us for the times When we have wronged You, And caused grief and strife In our attitudes and actions. Help us to be like You, Loving one another as You love us, Caring for those who are in trouble or need, And bringing them comfort.

Give us boldness to share about Your gracious, Saving, forgiving and reconciling love, Whether by word or by deed, With everyone that we meet.   We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.