PAUL THE ‘HUMAN’ BEING
May 29, 2023TO HIM BELONGS ALL GLORY!!!
May 31, 2023Human beings are made for relationships. The importance and significance of human relationships cannot be emphasized more. For they enrich our life with love, joy and happiness, and otherwise, our lives would be poorer, dull and boring. Though human beings are made for relationships, and they are essential for a joyful life. Despite all this, we have many a good relationship running into rough waters, and many times completely breaking down. Some such breakups can be really painful and agonising.
Though we are made for relationships, breaking down of relationships are in a way, natural, in the fallen world. This is the reality of life. We are better equipped to face them, and rectify them, if possible, if we see them as real, and that it is in a way, natural and normal, for the fallen man in a fast deteriorating fallen world.
Paul, at the fag end of his life, and bound in a prison, has these words for the two ladies, who had a breakdown of their friendship. They both are dear to him in the ministry – “2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellow-labourers, whose names are in the book of life.” – Philippians 4:2-3
Reconciliation can happen only when we realise there is something wrong. Secondly, when both parties desire to be reconciled. Thirdly, for reconciliation to happen, there has to be confessions and forgiveness, from both sides, and both have to be, unconditional and sincere. The power that will bring about reconciliation and restoration is in our love for the other – “8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” “12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12
May the LORD help us to honour the relationships. If ever, they breakdown, may He grant us the grace, and the good sense, to try and reconcile with each other in love. So God help us.
