I love the story of the man who arrived home one day after work and found his son sitting on the front steps with his face in his hands. It was obvious that something was wrong. And so, the man asked his son what was bothering him. The little boy looked up and said, “Well, just between us, Dad, I’m having trouble getting along with your wife.” It happens. It happens in homes. It happens in churches. It happens whenever and wherever people get together. There is inevitably going to be conflict in some shape, in some form, and at some time. 

The Apostle Paul knew this. He knew it was true even in the church. Paul wasn’t some cockeyed optimist who saw the world through rose-colored glasses and naively believed that we would never run across people who were difficult to get along with. He assumed as much. That’s why he says in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” 

The fact is, that even though the Church is the Body of Christ here on earth, it’s still an eclectic mix of different people, each with their own unique gifts, personalities and idiosyncrasies. And in any group of people, whether it’s a family at home, co-workers, or in a church, there are going to be conflicts as personalities inevitably clash, -- as individual habits become more pronounced, and as little irritations rub us the wrong way.

Friends, we are commanded to bear with one another in love. To be patient with people who try us and test our patience, because this is precisely what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. In fact, the entire Bible is the story of God’s forbearance with sinful people who keep doing the wrong things, making the same mistakes, and keep promising to never do it again. How true is that in our own lives? I bet that I have prayed about the same things so many times that I wonder if God must ever get sick and tired of hearing me confess it again and again and again. 

The good news is that God never does! God is patient with us because He loves us. God is patient with us because when He looks at us, He doesn’t see just us. He sees Jesus His Son, and the blood that was shed on the cross for us and for our salvation. And, the way God sees us, He wants us to see others, -- not just as people who sometimes get under our skin, but, as people who themselves are covered by the Savior’s blood.

This Sunday, I am continuing my sermon series titled, “Friend-Shape,” as we look at a “Friendship with Relatives,” including the story of the unique and unusual relationship between Ruth and Naomi. So, please join us for worship this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 9, as we discuss further this idea of godly friendship. You can join us in person at either 8:00 am or 10:30 am in our newly remodeled sanctuary, or at 10:30 am via Zoom, Facebook Live, and Youtube. 

Pastor John