Healthy Church = Healthy Relationships

Introduction: “Tug of War Over Jesus” Generational conflicts are a fact of life within not only the church, but the business world, and even our own families. We are not our parents and our parents aren’t us. Though we are from different generations, can and should learn to interact with one another on a basis that pleasing and more importantly glorifying to God.

Background: Healthy relationships have always been important in the church, but there are especially important in today’s world. Though their importance can’t be underestimated we must never forget the fact that we as individuals were created for community; first with God and secondly with each other. Those who are already part of the church family as well as those who are newcomers to our services are hungry for relationships. There is a hunger for God and for meaningful contact with each other. For a newcomer if they find the relationships that they are searching for they will stick around to listen to our message (the gospel); if they don’t then they will leave through the same door they came in. The motto for this group of people could very well be; "I will care about what you have to say after you show me that you care."

Proposition: Our text this morning shows us how we should relate to the primary groups of people that we find in the church.

Transition: Paul begins this section of his letter by making it clear that we in the church are to treat…

I. TREAT THE DIFFERENT GENERATIONS WITHOUT PARTIALITY (5:1-2)

a. It is comforting to know that the problems with relating across the generation gaps have been around in the church for twenty centuries

• We may give them new names like, "grey wave," "boomers," "busters," gen-Xers," and "gen-Yers" but the task of relating to young and old alike has always been there

• We will always have the old, the young, and those in-between

• Each group is "part" of the body of Christ, thus each group is equally important to the body

b. So the question can be asked, how do we treat each generation without partiality?

• Treating without partiality doesn’t mean that we treat everyone exactly alike, because their needs and interests will be different

• What it does mean is that we don’t place one group as being more important than another

• We respect social boundaries with sensitivity and care, and if we have to confront someone, regardless of their generational group it should be done in a gracious manner without defensiveness or anger (Galatians 6:1-2)

• Treat the older men and women as you would a father and a mother - with respect, affection, and gentleness. If they are unkind it doesn’t mean that you return the favor

• Treat younger men and women as brothers and sisters, with tolerance and understanding.

• You don’t do things as your parents and grandparents did when they were your age so don’t expect your kids to do things the way you did when you were their age

Transition: Paul has given us the foundation for his teaching concerning proper relationships, he now moves on to the particulars

II. TREAT THE WIDOWS WITH COMPASSION (5:3-16)

a. This actually covers not only with widows but serves as a blueprint for how the church should care for all its needy members

• The church has inherited a fine tradition of charity from its Jewish roots – hospitality and benevolence