The Ball is in My Court

I have a co-worker who is mad at me. Her words are clipped when she speaks to me. She turns her head to avoid meeting my eyes. When I try to make conversation, she clams up. Emails go unanswered and texts appear unread. The signs are all there. Something is bothering her and she is not ready to talk about it. 
At first, my response to her sudden change in demeanor was something like, “Whatever! I have no idea why she’s miffed. She will eventually get over it.” But reading through Ephesians a different kind of truth emerges and a new response forms in me. As the Lord whispers to me, I am finding that Scripture is once again changing my heart, which changes my mind, which changes my behavior. 
Ephesians 4:1-3 catches my attention with these words, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” I reread them again, this time at a slower pace as some of the words jump off the page, “...completely humble…gentle…patient.” And then there it is, “Make every effort…” 

Paul, traditionally thought to be in prison when he was writing this epistle,  desired to instruct the church at Ephesus about the matter of Christian unity. Nearing the end of Paul’s ministry and life, he came quickly to his point and did not mince words. He knew that Gentiles were coming to faith and that may not settle well with the Jews. The sentiments are pointed:  Always be humble. Be patient. Let your love for one another be the motivator to pursue unity. 

And suddenly the thought occurred to me. The next step is mine. The ball is in my court to pursue unity with my co-worker. It is my responsibility to ask and inquire about her sudden change in disposition toward me. I need to investigate what caused the change in demeanor. I do not know what she will say or if she will even entertain the conversation, but I know I have to make every effort to pursue unity. As sisters in Christ and co-laborers in ministry, our Christian bond needs to be strengthened and this uncomfortable conversation may be the means to do that. 
Is there strife or discord or misunderstanding in your relationships with Christian brothers or sisters? If so, maybe Paul’s words will hit you the way they landed for me. You can’t ignore this, do what you can, make every effort to make it right. Open the door to clear the air. The ball is in your court. 

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

About the Author

Hi, I’m Dana Schaefer! Along with my husband and children, we make our home in northwest Georgia. I currently work as an Academic Dean at Heritage Bible College and am pursuing a doctoral degree. I love digging deeper into the Bible and finding encouragement, understanding, and truth to share with others. I love sunrises at the beach, rooibos tea, and crossword puzzles!