Children, “honor your father and mother” as the first commandment says. This also has a promise attached to it, “live well and have a long life.” Fathers, don’t frustrate your children with your authority. Take them by the hand and lead them by example in the way of the Master. Workers, respectfully obey your earthly bosses but always obey the real master, Christ. Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work with all your heart, as a worker for Christ, doing what God wants you to do. And work with a smile on your face, always keeping in mind that no matter who happens to be giving the orders, you’re really serving God. Bosses, it’s the same with you. No abuse, please, and no threats. You and your workers are both under the same Master in heaven. He makes no distinction between you and them.
So in these relationships, God wants you to be strong and finish the fight. Use all the weapons the Master has given you. They will stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This fight is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish. Be prepared. This is far more than you can handle on your own. So take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s over you will all still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon, share it together. In the same way, prayer is essential to keep you together during this warfare. Pray hard and long for each other with your eyes open. Encourage one another so that no one falls behind or drops out. From Ephesians 6 : 1 – 18 (MSG)
Roles and relationships are very important in the kingdom of God. It starts with the relationship between the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. Then God made a covenant with the people of Israel, creating a long-lasting relationship with His chosen people. Jesus exemplified right relationships in His time on earth with His Father, His disciples, His followers and even with the crowds that were trying to hear and understand, and with the people that He healed. And Holy Spirit gives us the very power of God to treat our relationships with the utmost of respect and the highest ideals of God’s love.
Paul reminds the Ephesians, and all of us who are to read this letter, of the importance of our roles and relationships: Children and fathers. Workers and bosses. Us and our real master, Christ.
He asks us to value relationships, be strong in our love and remain until the end. And to know God has given us the weapons we need to do this: Stand firm in the truth. Seek righteousness in our lives. Encourage peace. Continue in our faith. Know we are saved eternally and live accordingly. Read God’s Word. Pray with each other. Really pray. Encourage each other so that we all keep up in the growth and change that He promises.
In most cultures relationships are very important. Once you pierce the “onion skin” of acquaintance, you are seen as a friend for life. And this is especially true here in Austria with those who are refugees from their country of birth or choice. But more importantly, most are here alone without family, without friends, without roles or relationships in this unfamiliar environment.
I said “most.” Some are able to come as a family, or part of a family. We recently had the privilege of hosting two very large families from the Middle East at the Oasis Center. It was such a joy to see the older children take care of, comfort and play with the younger ones. And also to see the fathers cuddling their babies and talking to their older children about what was going on at our center.
But then again, there are a very large number of women, with and without children, who are housed in a women (and children) only building. Without husbands, parenting and life details are new roles for many wives. Single women tend to be alone, without their families, and now must figure out how to move forward on their own.
This last group is the group of women God has given me a heart to build strong relationships with. And, surprisingly (although I’m sure God is not surprised!), many of the women we have been praying for are becoming friends with each other. Some are from different countries thousands of miles apart in Africa and others from Middle Asian countries just as far apart geographically and politically.
Unfortunately, I will be leaving Austria on Monday.
But, these days, a relationship started in person can be continued online. I trust that God will use other locals here in Austria to love on them, and I commit myself to be vigilant in prayer and conversation with them in the future weeks and months myself.
Review this list of strengths that God gives us to build strong relationships and identify one strength that fits the best with that “one” person He wants you to pour His love into:
How could truth help this person make a better decision?
How could I demonstrate right living for my “one“?
How might I demonstrate making peace a priority?
What can I do to shore up my own faith so I don’t give up on my “one“?
How would living with an eternal perspective make a difference in my relationships?
How could I read more of God’s Word in my daily schedule and encourage my “one” to read the Bible?
When could I pray specifically for my “one“?
How could I “speak words of life” so my new friend is encouraged?
Father God, You are Love! Show me who You want me to love with Your love. Help me identify a way to speak words of peace, life and love. I trust that You will speak through me. Amen.
happy hunger 
Leave a comment