It never fails, for many during the holiday season comes the “Jerry Springer” show right to their front door. It really is a fact and for so long I wondered what made relational conflict so abundant during the time when people are off of work, enjoying friends and family and receiving so much in way of food and gifts. Then one day it hit me, the reason that “domestic” issues arise so often in the this season is because people are actually together. So there it is, the answer to the life-long mystery of why fighting is greater during the holidays… because when sinners get together, they compound exponentially their sin quotient. What else can you expect? I mean, when one dog is playing in the yard it’s fun but throw three more in there, well someone is going to get bitten or run over. Sorry for the silly metaphor but in all reality, the reason that the holidays bring less than joyful relational conflict is because I believe that being around others brings out the TRUENESS of our character and heart.
It is simple and easy to maintain good relationships when you email, text, tweet, card, share, facebook, and other things sporadically throughout the year. The sad reality is that without the power of the gospel in our lives, all of us would spend our days in silent or showcased aggravation and animosity. The good news is that Christ empowers His people to walk in unity and power and forgiveness. When one claims to be in Christ but cannot walk in holy affection, it really calls into question as to whether that “one” is truly born again. We can all blame others on our feelings and sad times and say that “we don’t know what it’s like to have an uncle like that” but the root of the problem is sin. It is at the core of every human heart and until the gospel of Jesus Christ reaches that heart and the spirit of God transforms that heart it will always have problems. For believers though, we are able to overcome such things as we bear the sins of others, forgive those who sin against us and realize that no one has sinned toward us as grossly as we ourselves have sinned against God.
He alone is holy and we are not. But, we are made righteous through the blood of Jesus Christ who makes certain that all who believe are free from the bondage and consequence of sin in the face of God’s wrath. Therefore, we are able to work through differences, heartaches, bad times and bad holidays. When you feel that urge to break into the Christmas Spirit of throwing a fit and saying that one thing that shouldn’t be said, remember that Jesus remained silent when He was accused of sin. He became sin that we might become the righteousness of God and for that we are forever made right and able to forgive others. Seek peace as long as it is up to you and hold fast to Jesus who made you. Make this “Christ”mas truly about the Christ by portraying His heart and attitude in our dealings toward others.
Romans 12:9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
For His Glory,
J