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

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.

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!

New Living Translation Chapter 10

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

In times of relational tension and disturbance, we must acknowledge that what causes flare-ups are when our unmet needs come into conflict with the other’s unmet needs.

What causes flare-ups in our relationships with one another is when our unmet needs come into conflict with the other’s unmet needs.

In other words, our desires to be selfish come into contact with the other’s desire to be selfish!

In relationship conflict, both of us are right and both of us are wrong at the same time!

To stop the spread of selfishness in the relationship or in the household, we must take steps to “Flatten the Curve”

“Flattening the Curve”

While in this passage, Jesus commends Mary and gently corrects Martha, any one of us can easily identify with Martha.

Trying to prepare a meal for at least 16 people (Jesus, 12 disciples, Martha, Mary, Lazarus=16) with no microwave would be quite a task!

Jesus rebukes Martha for being “distracted” (See v40) with so many “details” (see v41)

Matthew 6:27 (NLT)

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Martha seems to exhibit a “martyr’s complex,” she plays the victim

how UNFAIR the state of affairs is;

that Mary gets to just “SIT THERE”;

Christian psychologist and author Michael Smalley says, “Blaming is a reflection of our pride.”

that Martha is ONLY ONE doing all the work;

that JESUS (Snitchin!) needs to tell Mary to get up and help. (Petty)

We always have a choice when it comes to our reactions.

Others can’t MAKE us feel powerless and out of control; we can CHOOSE how we respond to circumstances and situations that we don’t like.

When all we can see is how WE are being wronged, Jesus points out that we’re looking at the wrong thing!

New Living Translation Chapter 10

My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it,

In the case of a person like Martha, Controlling the inner emotions is the key to “flattening the curve”

English Standard Version Chapter 2

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age

Even though Jesus commends her, we can’t let Mary off the hook!

She KNEW how Martha was!

Mary had a singular, and to some extent, selfish focus.

She prioritized her need over anything and anybody else’s.

Philippians 2:4 NKJV

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

It IS possible to do a good thing the wrong way.

She could have better balanced her need to glean and gain from Jesus with what she knew was Martha’s need for the event to come together.

Galatians 6:2-3 (NLT)

New Living Translation Chapter 6

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.

New Living Translation Chapter 6

If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.

For all the Mary’s, keeping our eyes and ears open, Being aware of the needs around us, can help ease some tensions in our relationships, and help “flatten the curve.”

Announce

Next week’s message: “When Isolation Is Getting the Best of You”

Wrap-up of Doctrine of Salvation at Kingdom Seekers Bible study

Now, I want us to hear a real-life testimony of the blessings of God. Even in our current environment of uneasiness about the future and concerns about if God can take care of us. Check this out!