Several years ago, I
spoke to a “Single Parents Raising Kids” group. The experience broke
my heart because it stimulated a trip down memory lane. After my parents
divorced I was raised by a single parent. Tears formed easily as I listened to
stories about past and present circumstances. So much pain.
Single-parenting isn't easy. A major part of the challenge is previously broken or currently
breaking relationships. Ex-spouses, step-parents, visitation, legal issues.
Relationships.
You can’t live with them, and you can’t live without them. Lots of people feel
this way. At times, I feel this way.
The
final bullet point on the group handouts provoked discussion.
“Relationships: Are
they worth it?”
I
usually utter some form of that question when disappointed, rejected, forgotten
or betrayed. Soon thereafter, the temptation to live as an island (preferably
ON an island) begins. But isolation is not an option. Is it?
The
Christian can answer simply, “Relationships
have to be worth it because Jesus Christ came to earth and lived among us, as
one of us, for this very reason.” His purpose was to reconcile a broken
relationship between humankind and God; and it was a purpose He accomplished by
paying the highest price.
Consider
what Jesus experienced in His relationships — scorn, abuse, misunderstanding,
and betrayal to name a few. And still, He died willingly? Even for the
scoundrels? Even for me? Yes.
Peter
denied Christ three times. The rooster crows, Jesus looks at Peter and he
spontaneously wails with grief. Peter betrayed and abandoned his Friend. And Peter,
the determined, passionate, and zealous one failed to keep his vow.
After
His resurrection, Jesus reinstated His repentant friend and issued this
challenge, “Peter, do you love me?” “Yes,
Lord, you know that I love you,” Peter replied. “Feed my sheep,” Jesus
said. (John 21:15, my paraphrase)
People. It’s all about people. “Feed my sheep,”
“Take care of my sheep.”
Jesus didn't give up on people. So, if I claim to follow Him and walk like Him,
neither can I. It’s not easy, but abandoning people is not an option. He didn't just think relationships were worth it He lived like they were. If
Jesus can do that, I can do that. I need to do that. I must do that.
What
Jesus did, I can do . . .
Prayer
Lord, You didn't say relationships would be easy. They aren't Thanks for doing what was right,
though, and not what was easy. What You did, we can do. Thanks for counting us
worth it, then for asking us to follow You. Please help us to pass that on by
persisting in the relationships on our path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.