I'm home from a refreshing life break and trying to get back into the swing of everyday doings. Easing back into the routine is not an option, it's "let's go, jump right in, the to do list calls!" A couple of things have hampered that process....a delayed flight caused forced inactivity at the airport and a fender bender has added a new items to the daily to dos. Well, life happens! And all through this day in day out is interaction with others. Whether it's family, friends, coworkers, or those just passing through, people are always touching our lives. Relationships are always a part of our day. Mom talked about godly relationships and what they are to look like, and our part in them.
In godly relationships, we are to adopt and practice diligently every form of relational righteousness. This includes love, compassion, humility, self-giving behavior, free flowing forgiveness, and patience with others. We are to choose peace to govern all your relationships.
Christ is our model of conduct in our relationships. Romans 15:1-7 We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. 2 We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. 3 For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.” 4 Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. 5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. We are to be like-minded toward one another, according to Chris Jesus.
From me. Like-minded doesn't mean we agree with each other on everything. My favorite color is blue, your's may be red. We don't agree, but we can agree to love one another and accept the differences between us with humility and compassion. Ephesians 4:2-3 2 Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 1 Peter 4:8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Let God's Word govern out relationships with others. Give each other preference. In a me me me, mine mine mine, world this will be like a cool breeze on a scorching hot day. It's what will set us apart as belonging to Jesus. We are also given instruction by our Lord in dealing with our enemies: Luke 6:27-31 But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. 30 Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. 31 Do to others as you would like them to do to you.
The time for holiday celebrations is here. Many will be with friends and relatives, that even though we love, we may not always agree or get along with...but if we follow Christ's Words and example, we will shine His love to all those we come in contact with. Jesus came down to earth that long ago Christmas morning to seek and save the lost, to make peace between God and man, He came to restore our relationship with Himself and with each other. Let us share that peace with others.
Lord, thank You for those people you have filled our lives with. Thank You for the support, the love, the caring that they bring. Help us to relate to others with love, even when they are hateful, caring, even when met with indifference. Give us hearts of compassion. Keep us humble and help us forgive when necessary. Remind us, it's not about us, but about serving others in Your Name. Let Your love flow through us to those around us. Let Your character be evident in every encounter. In Jesus Name, amen.
Study the above Scriptures. Let's make them part of us!
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