The Problem We Share
There are a few things about human relationships that are absolutely unavoidable. We all change, and we will disappoint one another. We all have the capacity to act selfishly and get on someone’s nerves. And we all want to be seen, heard, and understood. Every one of us…
So, with such a propensity for failure and disappointment, how do we make any relationship work? How do we guard ourselves against bitterness? How do we keep ourselves from just avoiding one another or dealing with one another superficially? How do we cultivate deep and lasting relationships with people who are just as flawed as we are?
The Answer: Grace
The answer is simple – Grace. Whenever we are threatening to wash our hands of everything and everyone, remember that none of us is perfect. On any given day, we are all selfish, clumsy, and stupid… every one of us!
Are we willing to extend to others the same grace and patience we crave? Are we willing to offer and announce to others the grace that God freely gives us? I contend that no one is unlovable when we see them as God sees us.
Don’t get me wrong, hurt and disappointment are real. Our hurt, anger, and frustration are often founded and reasonable. But we are all flawed and come short. We are all weak, and we will all disappoint someone we love. Surprised? Don’t be!
Be gracious to one another. Be gracious to yourself. Love others as you love yourself. It is the only foundation for healthy and lasting relationships. If we can do this personally, then I believe we can practice this publicly.
Living It Together
What grace makes possible in individual relationships also shapes the kind of community we are called to become together.
So, here at The Ministry Collaborative, we are determined to be relentlessly relational. We don’t agree about everything, and some of our disagreements may stem from the many and varied experiences we have as individuals and as communities of peoples. But, here at The Ministry Collaborative, we view the richness of our diversity as an opportunity for growth rather than division – an occasion to listen and to cultivate compassion.
Even as we grapple with our very real differences, we do so with grace, believing that tension offers an occasion for deep learning and connection and is a faithful demonstration of the Gospel of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
- Where in my relationships am I most tempted to withdraw, harden, or settle for superficial peace instead of practicing grace?
- What would it look like to extend to someone else the same patience and understanding I hope to receive?
- How might our community become more compassionate, courageous, and relational if we chose grace more intentionally?
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