What Relationships Are For?

Bumper stickers can produce various reactions. Some make us laugh, others might cause us to say “Yes” in agreement, while others may make us mad, and still others could make us feel like crying. It is that latter type I have noticed on the back of a truck in our town. This bumper sticker reads: “If It Wasn’t For Marriage, Men And Women Would Have To Fight With Total Strangers!!!” Perhaps such would cause us to wonder about the kind of relationship the owner of that vehicle has with their spouse? Is the concept something they find amusing or is it sadly the reality for that marriage?

Certainly within relationships there are disagreements. Husbands and wives, siblings, neighbors, work associates, friends, and even brethren within the church don’t always see everything eye to eye. However -- to not be left with having to fight with total strangers -- is that what family, friends, or brethren are for?

How do we approach situations of disagreement? Fight and flight? (Speak our mind and then take off, uninterested in hearing another’s perspective.) Shrug and hug? (Having a “whatever” attitude that it makes no difference. I’ll love you anyway.) Muddy or study? (Confuse and stir up the waters of contention or instead commit to further study on the issue while seeking to maintain the relationship.)

We are to stand firm on the truth, but still speak it “in love” so that we can grow up in Christ. ( Ephesians 4:15) Paul urged those at Rome to not quarrel over opinions. ( Romans 14:1) In the previous chapter of that same letter Paul exhorted away from walking in quarreling and jealousy. ( Romans 13:13)

In Paul’s instruction to Timothy we read…
“(23) HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH FOOLISH, IGNORANT CONTROVERSIES; you know that THEY BREED QUARRELS. (24) And THE LORD’S SERVANT MUST NOT BE QUARRELSOME BUT KIND TO EVERYONE, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, (25) CORRECTING opponents WITH GENTLENESS. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, (26) and they may escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” ( 2 Timothy 2:23-24 ESV)

Then in his letter to Titus Paul wrote…
“(1) Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, (2) to speak evil of no one, to AVOID QUARRELING, TO BE GENTLE, AND TO SHOW PERFECT COURTESY TOWARD ALL PEOPLE.” ( Titus 3:2 ESV)

From these two texts we have the exhortation toward KINDNESS, GENTLENESS, and COURTESY. May we recognize the responsibility and opportunity associated with all the relationships we may have, approaching them in a way that will be both beneficial to others and glorifying to God. The way we interacted with others -- whether it be within our family, neighborhood, the church, or some other sphere of associations -- will reflect how serious we are in striving to live like Christ and a child of God.

Remember Jesus said,
“Blessed are the PEACEMAKERS, for they shall be CALLED SONS OF GOD.” ( Matthew 5:9 ESV)

Have a great day RESOLVNG TO BE A LOVER RATHER THAN A FIGHTER!
Carl

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