2 Corinthians 5:18-20 “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
This last Sunday, our pastor preached in our “2020 Vision” sermon series on the topic of Christian Relationships. Many people believe that Christian friends are not susceptible to verbally offending and hurting each other by their actions, breaking the relationship. But, this is not a realistic view of individuals in their fallen and sinful human state this side of glory. Not only do we live in a fallen world, but there are cultural differences by nationality, race, gender, and family; each of us also have individual and unique God-given personalities, gifts, experiences, minds, wills and emotions. An easy example would be: What’s your favorite color? What’s your favorite genre of music? Or what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Which one is “best”? It’s subjectional. Differences in opinion and preferences will occur and somebody is going to be offended sometimes. It is not a matter of “if”, but of “when”. Reconciliation is in order.
Proverbs 15:28 “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil.”
Offenses must be looked at in terms of achieving forgiveness and being reconciled, having the heart of Christ. First, figure out the ideal outcome that you are hoping to see happen. Remember that all strong sides have weak sides also. When a comment or conversation gets “sideways” and unlikely to yield a positive outcome, sometimes it is best to take a step back, think up, wise up, shut up and listen up. You may be “right”, but be sure to come across in the “right” manner in the interaction and exchange of truth ideas, so the listener does not walk away. Proverbs 18:19 tells us, “A brother offended is harder to win than a strong city, and contentions are like the bars of a castle.” An “I am right and you are wrong” attitude would only “stir up” anger and achieve an opposite effect. Have a “think skin” and a “long fuse” so that you do not easily become offended.
Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Differences are best worked out personally, one-on-one in open and honest conversation. Avoid phone and online interactions which are by nature less personal communication methods due to lack of personal contact, voice inflections and facial expressions that prevent misinterpretations, escalating emotions and the conversation “going south”. Prevent the other person’s defensive walls from going up. Share the truth in love. We do not always get our way. Think about how Jesus sees the other person, what God wants accomplished and what would Jesus do? Trust the Lord that didn’t give up on you.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment