Grace in Relationship

So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:1-11 ESV). There are two new things I will be involved with in the coming months. They are both exciting to me. Both of these will be offered through the ministry of Gospel City Church in Arlington, Texas. The first is a “marriage tune-up” which will involve three one-hour sessions in which we look at the basics of relationship and how to best relate to your spouse in the midst of conflict. The second is a brief group study dealing with parenting. During these four sessions we’ll cover subjects that deal with various aspects of the relational dynamics within a family. Both are essential in today’s culture. In fact, I read somewhere recently that every marriage is six months away from a divorce. I’m not sure of the accuracy of that assertion; however, it cannot be denied that a relationship, no matter how strong is always vulnerable to the hurts and difficulties of challenging circumstances. Some injury is not forgiven, it festers, causes harsh words, more slights, a distance develops, and the marriage is in jeopardy. Relationships are fragile. Our reading today speaks to that issue. The church in Philippi is nowhere near collapse. There are hints of trouble in the previous chapter, and there is some difficulty between Euodia and Syntyche (cf. 4:2), but Philippi is no Corinth. Nevertheless, Paul knows there is always the potential for divisiveness. Our egos swell quickly, they want their own way, and are easily bruised. In all groups, a family, a social or service club, a church, a corporation, or an athletic team, the primary problems involve not the task the organization exists to perform, but conflict management between people. Thus the apostle’s concern and appeal to be watchful, to be of the same mind and love. Grace simply demands that we be like minded. It is Paul’s way of saying that we adopt a conciliatory manner in life. That’s real grace in relationship.