Sufficient (Relationships)

Recap

Grace is sufficient for the forgiveness of our sins

Grace is sufficient for the injustices of the world

Intro

Navigating Relationships is hard.

How we treat each other is of paramount importance to, not only each other, but to how the world perceives the people of God.

Galatians 5:13–15 NIV

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

We have the capacity to devour each other. To do what is unloving. Since we have this capacity, It is even more important for us to pay attention. To be intentional with how we interact with the world.

Paul lays out for us a reality and a gameplan to move successfully through our relationships.

The Charge

Galatians 5:16–6:10 NIV

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. 1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. 7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 5:16-6:10

The New International Version Chapter 3

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:12–13 NIV

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

To truly attain the kind of love the spirit would have us employ in our relationships with others, we need a large amount of Grace. There are going to be circumstances that require us to be unfair, or content with unfairness, to move a relationship forward.

To truly attain the kind of love the spirit would have us employ in our relationships with others, we need a large amount of Grace. There are going to be circumstances that require us to be unfair, or content with unfairness, to move a relationship forward.

That can be a tiring reality for us can’t it? Tired of trying to fix a marriage, tired of leading an organization, tired of gossip, tired of having to do that with someone over and over again!

If we thought people deserved our love, we’d give it more freely. As it stands, this is why the Grace of God should motivate us and free us to love well and deeply. How we love each other, as people held accountable to a biblical standard, is an indicator to the world as to whom we belong, AND that grace is what makes all the difference. Jesus said they’d know us by our love. Whether or not someone deserves it.

The Effect of Grace on relationships

When we employ Grace in our relationships with other people we may be taken advantage of. But we might also make a lasting impact and see more fulfillment and wholeness.

Hard work can be a very satisfying thing. A relationships that stands the test of time because of the work we’ve invested is a very satisfying reality.

The long term impact of Graceful love can be felt by you because of others and of God. When we take communion we remember that someone loved us when we didn’t deserve it and that made all the difference.