Today, Monday, October 30, 2017, is the ninth in a series of chapters in Russell Board's book entitled, 40 Days With Jesus.
You will not be the same after reading each of these inspiring and informative chapters. They are concise and comprehensive chapters and you will be captivated by each one.
Stand by for the eighth chapter entitled, "Relationships":
RELATIONSHIPS
Matthew 5:33-48
“No man is an island,” as the poet said. When we enter the world, we are born into a web of relationships, first to mother and father and siblings, then also to cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. As we grow older, this network of relationships only expands year by year: friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, colleagues, employers, employees, and on and on. Psychologists tell us that nothing is more critical to living a happy and well-adjusted life than relating to others in constructive and healthy ways. Jesus’ words provide valuable instruction on creating and maintaining successful relationships.
Relationships depend upon trust, and trust depends upon truthfulness. When we tell others we are going to do something, they should be able to count on what we say. To break a verbal promise is no small matter, for faithlessness and deceit are traits of the devil, and sins against the character of God. Those who habitually break their word soon learn that trust is a costly commodity they can’t afford to lose.
Trust is the cement that holds relationships together; when it leaks away, they easily dissolve. Once lost, trust is extremely difficult to recover. If people cannot count on our word, we are forced to borrow credibility from someone or something else, swearing on the Bible or taking a vow in the name of God. But as Jesus points out, we have no right or authority to make such appeals. All we can do is give our word, and live up to it.
Our world contains many conflicts rooted in historical wrongs that have initiated cycles of vengeance lasting decades, or even centuries. Retaliation for injustice often results in more injustice, provoking further retaliation, until a state of perpetual enmity takes root between nations, races or cultures. To end the hostility requires an act of God, or at least the human exercise of divine grace and forgiveness.
Yet as we all know, similar feuds on a smaller scale can be found all around us, in families, neighborhoods and workplaces. Rancor and resentment destroy marriages, split families, separate friends, and make life miserable for co-workers. Bitterness consumes the soul, revenge brings no relief, and pride prevents either party from taking the first step toward reconciliation.
Jesus shows us a better way. Humility, goodwill and generosity of spirit can defuse conflicts at the outset, and make life better for everyone. Divine grace may be necessary to do as Jesus directs, but divine grace is available.
Standard human behavior is to treat others in the same way they treat you. If people are nice to you, be nice to them. If people disrespect you, you have a right to get angry. If people do you wrong, then make them pay for it. Whatever happens, stand up for your rights, and don’t let yourself be pushed around.
Jesus dismisses this kind of behavior with disdain. It’s nothing special, only basic human decency. Anyone can do it. But what if a bigot abuses you with insults and curses, and you respond with kind words and good wishes? What if a colleague at work undermines you out of jealousy and spite, and you respond by doing him a good turn and helping him to get ahead? What if your employer mistreats you, mocks your faith, and deliberately makes you uncomfortable with vulgar language and crude comments, and you respond by praying for God to bless him with good health and financial prosperity?
Now that is something different. To behave like that just isn’t natural. In fact, it is supernatural. It is literally godlike, for it imitates the way God treats his enemies with grace and goodwill. Jesus calls us to a love that is extravagant and unconditional, a love that embraces even our enemies.
Jesus provides for us the perfect model of how to relate to others in a way that blesses both them and us. Jesus’ words were marked by honesty and integrity. He was never devious or two-faced, but was always open and straightforward. He spoke the truth to everyone, gently when possible, sternly when necessary.
The religious leaders treated Jesus with abuse and contempt. Jealous of his holiness, his wisdom and his popularity, they opposed Him at every turn. The secular authorities treated Jesus with derision and cruelty. With no clue as to Who He was or what He was up to, they ridiculed Him, battered Him, and executed Him. Yet Jesus did not resist the assaults of His enemies, extending forgiveness to them even as He hung on the cross.
To relate to others as Jesus did is beyond our capacity. Thankfully, Jesus left us more than a model to imitate. Through the Holy Spirit, He plants His love within us, so that we can love others as He does.
Meditation: How can I follow Jesus’ counsel and example in my relationships? Where and with whom do I need special grace right now?
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the people You have brought into my life. Help me to show appreciation and respect to all, and give me the grace to be kind to the ones who try my patience.
You will not be the same after reading each of these inspiring and informative chapters. They are concise and comprehensive chapters and you will be captivated by each one.
Stand by for the eighth chapter entitled, "Relationships":
RELATIONSHIPS
Matthew 5:33-48
“No man is an island,” as the poet said. When we enter the world, we are born into a web of relationships, first to mother and father and siblings, then also to cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. As we grow older, this network of relationships only expands year by year: friends, classmates, teachers, teammates, colleagues, employers, employees, and on and on. Psychologists tell us that nothing is more critical to living a happy and well-adjusted life than relating to others in constructive and healthy ways. Jesus’ words provide valuable instruction on creating and maintaining successful relationships.
Relationships depend upon trust, and trust depends upon truthfulness. When we tell others we are going to do something, they should be able to count on what we say. To break a verbal promise is no small matter, for faithlessness and deceit are traits of the devil, and sins against the character of God. Those who habitually break their word soon learn that trust is a costly commodity they can’t afford to lose.
Trust is the cement that holds relationships together; when it leaks away, they easily dissolve. Once lost, trust is extremely difficult to recover. If people cannot count on our word, we are forced to borrow credibility from someone or something else, swearing on the Bible or taking a vow in the name of God. But as Jesus points out, we have no right or authority to make such appeals. All we can do is give our word, and live up to it.
Our world contains many conflicts rooted in historical wrongs that have initiated cycles of vengeance lasting decades, or even centuries. Retaliation for injustice often results in more injustice, provoking further retaliation, until a state of perpetual enmity takes root between nations, races or cultures. To end the hostility requires an act of God, or at least the human exercise of divine grace and forgiveness.
Yet as we all know, similar feuds on a smaller scale can be found all around us, in families, neighborhoods and workplaces. Rancor and resentment destroy marriages, split families, separate friends, and make life miserable for co-workers. Bitterness consumes the soul, revenge brings no relief, and pride prevents either party from taking the first step toward reconciliation.
Jesus shows us a better way. Humility, goodwill and generosity of spirit can defuse conflicts at the outset, and make life better for everyone. Divine grace may be necessary to do as Jesus directs, but divine grace is available.
Standard human behavior is to treat others in the same way they treat you. If people are nice to you, be nice to them. If people disrespect you, you have a right to get angry. If people do you wrong, then make them pay for it. Whatever happens, stand up for your rights, and don’t let yourself be pushed around.
Jesus dismisses this kind of behavior with disdain. It’s nothing special, only basic human decency. Anyone can do it. But what if a bigot abuses you with insults and curses, and you respond with kind words and good wishes? What if a colleague at work undermines you out of jealousy and spite, and you respond by doing him a good turn and helping him to get ahead? What if your employer mistreats you, mocks your faith, and deliberately makes you uncomfortable with vulgar language and crude comments, and you respond by praying for God to bless him with good health and financial prosperity?
Now that is something different. To behave like that just isn’t natural. In fact, it is supernatural. It is literally godlike, for it imitates the way God treats his enemies with grace and goodwill. Jesus calls us to a love that is extravagant and unconditional, a love that embraces even our enemies.
Jesus provides for us the perfect model of how to relate to others in a way that blesses both them and us. Jesus’ words were marked by honesty and integrity. He was never devious or two-faced, but was always open and straightforward. He spoke the truth to everyone, gently when possible, sternly when necessary.
The religious leaders treated Jesus with abuse and contempt. Jealous of his holiness, his wisdom and his popularity, they opposed Him at every turn. The secular authorities treated Jesus with derision and cruelty. With no clue as to Who He was or what He was up to, they ridiculed Him, battered Him, and executed Him. Yet Jesus did not resist the assaults of His enemies, extending forgiveness to them even as He hung on the cross.
To relate to others as Jesus did is beyond our capacity. Thankfully, Jesus left us more than a model to imitate. Through the Holy Spirit, He plants His love within us, so that we can love others as He does.
Meditation: How can I follow Jesus’ counsel and example in my relationships? Where and with whom do I need special grace right now?
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the people You have brought into my life. Help me to show appreciation and respect to all, and give me the grace to be kind to the ones who try my patience.
Russell Board and his wife, Sandra, are career IPHC missionaries. They are currently serving in Asia, and living in Saitama, Japan. Russsell serves as the Director of Missions for Asia/Pacific IPHC World Missions Ministries.
Russell is as prolific writer and is no stranger to IPHC church members. He has written adult Sunday school lessons as well as a book on the doctrines/beliefs of the IPHC.
40 Days with Jesus is available through LifeSprings here: http://lifespringsresources.com/40-days-with-jesus-encountering-jesus-in-the-gospels
Also, the Kindle version is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Jesus-Encountering-Gospels-ebook/dp/B074G2NFDZ/ref=sr_1_3?
Russell is as prolific writer and is no stranger to IPHC church members. He has written adult Sunday school lessons as well as a book on the doctrines/beliefs of the IPHC.
40 Days with Jesus is available through LifeSprings here: http://lifespringsresources.com/40-days-with-jesus-encountering-jesus-in-the-gospels
Also, the Kindle version is available from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/40-Days-Jesus-Encountering-Gospels-ebook/dp/B074G2NFDZ/ref=sr_1_3?