Focal passage: Colossians 3:18-4:6
At my entry level hotel position a few years ago, I spent a lot of time getting to know my peers. As we worked together, I related to them on a similar level because we had the same job. We could discuss relevant scenarios and offer each other companionship and understanding as peers. A couple of years later, I was promoted to manager. This changed the way I related to my fellow coworkers. Though nothing had changed about them, my position in relationship to them was radically different. I related to them more as a superior and less as a peer. There was a shift in my relationships with them as a result of my shift in position.
Because we have been completely transformed by the gospel, it only makes sense that our relationships are transformed as well. Instead of responding according to our flesh, we respond to those around us according to the Spirit Who lives in us. When we want to be angry or to lash out, we must remember that we are now called to treat others as better than ourselves. Our relationships now follow the pattern of the humility and grace that Christ Jesus has shown to us.
As believers, we are now responsible to share our faith with those we encounter. Our prayers are now marked with thanksgiving to God for the salvation we have received in Christ. We also pray that we get the opportunity to share the joy and privilege of this salvation with others. No longer are our conversations and interactions arbitrary. We now work in submission to the Spirit as He leads us into opportunities to share the gospel.
The gospel changes everything. It changes the way we view and relate to people around us.The gospel has implications for friendships, our work relationships, our marriages and even our day to day interactions with the barista. As Christians, we are to be mindful of how we speak to and treat people as ambassadors of Christ. We should always remember that every encounter we have could be a chance to share the love of Jesus with someone who may not know Him.