Meet ME in the Middle

Opening Scripture

Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

In the ancient world, traveling or living alone wasn't just lonely; it was dangerous.

The Road to Jericho: Travelers in ancient Israel often moved through "Wadis" (dry riverbeds) and desert passes where bandits and wild animals hid. A person alone was a target.

The Economy of Two: If one person fell into a pit or a well (common hazards in the Levant), they would likely die if no one was there to pull them out.

The Warmth of Two: In the high deserts of Judea, nights were freezing. Verse 11 mentions two lying together to keep warm—this wasn't just romantic; it was a biological necessity for survival.

The jump from "two" to "three" in verse 12 is the theological "hammer" of the passage.

In ancient rope-making, two strands can be twisted together, but they tend to unravel or "kink" under high tension. A third strand, however, creates a core. It locks the other two into a permanent, geometric bond.

often times we connect with people in relationship but leave out God.

2 people that are connected can accomplish a purpose but without God they will quickly fall away.

God is the glue that keeps our relationships together… without Him they will eventually fall apart at the slightest sign of trouble.

United To Meet The One

Matthew 18:20 NIV

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Jesus gives us a promise that when we gather He will be in the midst of our fellowship (our gathering)

Jesus is the “ME” that we should be aiming to meet in the middle

Often times we confuse the “ME” to our spouse

Often times we confuse the “ME” to our friends

Often times we confuse the “ME” to our acquaintances

By correctly identifying who should be in the middle we are declaring the foundation in which our relationships are established upon.

When we make the decision to include Jesus in our relationships He will always meet our needs!!

A Change of Heart

Ezekiel 36:26 NIV

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

In order for our relationships to thrive we MUST have a change of heart in the sense of who is the Lord of our relationships…

In order to have a true change of heart you must fully acknowledge who Jesus is in your life, in your marriage, in your relationship, and friendships.

When you make the decision to meet Jesus in the middle of where you are in complete surrender He Himself will give you through the power of the Holy Spirit a new heart.

You can’t meet God in the middle when you have a heart filled with pride, and stubbornness.

God is not going to compete with the idols that we have established — Either we let them go or we cling on to them.

Grace At It’s Core

Colossians 3:13 NIV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

We can’t give grace if we ourselves have never recieved grace…

When we meet Jesus in the middle we discover the grace that is needed to extend to those whom we are in commitment with.

By having Jesus in the middle He teaches us grace by continually showing us grace

Because He has forgiven us it puts us in the mindset of wanting to forgive others

We don't forgive because the other person deserves it; we forgive because the One in the middle already forgave us.

Your Next Steps

Perform a "Third Strand" Relationship Audit: take a mental inventory of their top three relationships (spouse, best friend, business partner, etc.) and honestly evaluate the "core."

Change Your Conflict Posture: The next time a disagreement arises, instead of standing face-to-face to argue, intentionally pause and pivot. Institute a "timeout" where both people take 10 minutes to pray individually, asking the "ME" in the middle for His perspective before resuming the conversation.

Surrender the Idol of "Being Right":

Address the "heart of stone" by tackling the most common relationship idol: stubbornness.

4. Create a "Received Grace" Filter: Break the cycle of holding grudges by changing the motivation for forgiveness.

5. Establish a Daily "Meet ME" Habit:

A relationship centered on God doesn't happen by accident; it requires a routine.