Hindsight

Every Sunday I’m frustrated because I can’t illustrate and apply the scripture we study in multiple ways.  I have to settle for one illustration or one application.  I really wanted to contrast and compare the relationship formula that Paul uses to reconcile Gentiles and Jews together.  Let’s discuss that relationship formula for a few moments.

Paul says that to build relational unity and destroy barriers between people you’ve got to:

#1.  Spend time together.

Paul says to, “Bring near,” Verse 13, and that is in contrast to keeping someone, “far off.”

Isn’t that obvious?  If you’re having disunity one of the solutions is to spend more time together.  Find what you have in common and emphasize your common ground.

#2.  Eliminate differences.

One non-negotiable is the need to, “Destroy the barrier,”  Verse 14, and that is in contrast to maintaining the barrier.  This is not rocket science is it?  Isn’t anger a barrier?  How about bitterness, envy, jealousy, hurt feelings, angry words, insensitive actions? Emphasize common ground and disregard differences and destroy as many relational barriers as possible.

#3.  Create an accommodating environment.

Paul says to, “Abolish the law,” Verse 15, instead of maintaining legalism.  The Jews had to set aside their dietary, cultural, worship laws to accommodate the Gentiles.  The Gentiles had to be sensitive to the Jewish need to honor their heritage.  Both groups had to negotiate, allow for some give and take, honor one another’s past while forging a new future. 

Let’s make this really simple, are we willing to do that in the smallest microcosm…our in-laws! 

#4.  Deeply desire friendship.

Paul uses the word reconcile, Verse 16, which literally means, “to bring someone from a state of loathsome hatred to the place of intimate friendship.”  As we think of people with whom we’ve had broken relationships are we willing to set friendship as the goal of future interaction with them?

#5.  Be available.

The commitment God has to give us, “access,” Verse 18, to Himself rather than being too busy running the Universe to deal with our petty issues.  When someone asks us for help or time are we willing to give it?

The 5 step relationship formula that Paul uses here in Ephesians 3 can revolutionize our own ability to create highly connective long-term relationships.