Matthew 5:21-26

Matthew 5:21-26

The true mystery of relationships is not to be found in the fact that two can accomplish more than one. It is not in the miracle of love between a man and a woman. No, the true mystery of relationships is that if two people ever face a relational conflict, the OTHER person is always at fault. No matter what the issue is, no matter what the emotions are, no matter what the relationship was like before the conflict arose, once the conflict has begun, I can be 100% certain that 100% of the blame belongs to the OTHER person!

Of course, it’s irrational to think so because the other person is likewise convinced that all the blame belongs to me (which makes them even more in the wrong). You can see where this is going. Conflict can easily devolve into a negative feedback loop that boils down to a simple power struggle.

In this passage, Jesus gives us four teachings on relationship conflict and how his followers must respond.

• Anger is as serious as murder.
• Verbalizing disdain for another person is qualification for eternal punishment.
• If you recall that someone has something against you, make reconciliation your highest priority.
• Settle arguments quickly or you might find yourself on the losing end of a power struggle.

Each of these has one thing in common. Jesus puts the responsibility for relationship health on ME and not the OTHER. I do not have the luxury to blame the other person or even to avoid the other. However much I feel the other person is to blame, Jesus doesn’t allow me to live that way. I must take the lead, the initiative, and the responsibility to have healthy relationships or perhaps face the possibility of God’s judgment!

BIG IDEA FOR THE DAY:

We must take the lead in maintaining healthy relationships.