"Dialing Down the Tension"

Ephesians 2:10

We’re Built for This!

We are at a weird time in the history of our country and culture.

Stay-at-home/safe-at-home orders, social distancing, seeking to “flatten the curve” has forced us into a kind of relational dynamic that is at odds with how the 21st century was going.

It’s not a primitive existence, by any means, but it requires relational skills that the technology of our time has robbed us of.

Being on lockdown has FORCED into figuring out how to get along with the people we say love!

Not being able to escape to our jobs, or the gym, or church, or social events/gatherings has made us face just how much we have neglected applying certain principles of biblical love to the people we are related and connected to.

In many cases around the globe, being in such close proximity for long periods of time has exposed some of the weaknesses, tensions, and challenges in the relationships we have with our own family members.

And while online resources have been touted as providing mental and relational health care for our society during this time of quarantine, I believe that the Word of God can also provide us with some practical, applicational, transformational help that, when used, can ensure that we don’t fall out of LOVE ON LOCKDOWN!

“Dialing Down the Tension”

Genesis 26:34-35 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 26

At the age of forty, Esau married two Hittite wives: Judith, the daughter of Beeri, and Basemath, the daughter of Elon.

New Living Translation Chapter 26

But Esau’s wives made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.

In the original language that phrase “made life miserable” refers to their state of mind:

Bitterness of spirit, made their blood boil

Genesis 27:46 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 27

Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women! I would rather die than see Jacob marry one of them.”

The phrase rendered “sick and tired” in the NLT refers to a state of disgust, loathing, sick of living

Why? What did these women do to make life so miserable for Isaac & Rebekah?

Difference in faith/beliefs/values

Differences in personality

Misplaced anger

Isaac & Rebekah were really mad at Esau

These women were not the best choices on Esau’s part

Esau sought to live by the standards & expectations of the culture, rather than his faith; unfortunately, the two don’t mix

NOTE: by mentioning polygamy, the Bible isn’t condoning it.

As a matter of fact, every time someone in the Bible follows that practice (which doesn’t fit original Creation design), the consequences are disastrous! It’s as if the Bible is saying, without saying, that it is NOT a good idea.

Notice that the problem comes in when Rebekah can’t hold it in any longer and voices her opinion:

Genesis 27:46a (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 27

Then Rebekah said to Isaac, “I’m sick and tired of these local Hittite women!

Just because we’re sick & tired & miserable, we must be careful that our mouths don’t create a bigger problem!

Regardless of what you & I have been led to believe:

It is not necessary to vocalize our opinions of others. …ESPECIALLY to them!

Proverbs 13:3b (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 13

opening your mouth can ruin everything.

Proverbs 21:23 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 21

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut,

and you will stay out of trouble.

Vocalized opinions that are based upon inner, unresolved discontent tend to have a two-pronged effect:

(1) It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy

(2) It increases tension, while decreasing understanding

If you & I want to keep the love while on lock down & dial down the tension, we need to learn to control what we say to others.

We have to ENDEAVOR to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3)

We have to PRAY that the Lord would help us to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from speaking guile (Ps. 34:13)

Romans 12:18 NKJV

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

We are only responsible for us; we can only change ourselves.

So, as much as depends on us, let’s work on keeping the peace by guarding what comes out of our mouths!”