I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end.
I Am Found In You
by
Steven Curtis Chapman
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV
I meet so many people who have broken relationships in their life. The relationship could be with a family member or friend, co-worker or neighbor, but it hurts. Usually the person contacting me wants it healed, but they don’t know how, the other person isn’t willing, or they just think there is too much junk in the way.
Obviously I can’t address every issue in a short devotional, but I can say this. As far as Scripture is concerned (if you want God’s opinion on a matter) you are responsible to do whatever you can to make a relationship work, without compromising other Biblical principles. You are not responsible for the other person’s response.
As an example, if you have a broken relationship with co-worker, you attempt to reconcile the relationship, and their requirement of you is that you violate God’s principles; then you would not be required to follow through. You’ve done what you can and it didn’t work.
At that point, after you have attempted to reconcile, the other person continues to refuse, you are free, in my opinion, to release yourself from any emotional pull from the broken relationship. You may still feel guilt at this point from the broken relationship, but that guilt is self-induced; not from God.
Now, I do believe that according to Scripture you are required to forgive the person in your heart. That will not be easy, but Jesus clearly teaches that to have healthy relationships we are to love others as He has loved us. Ask yourself this question: How much love has He given me? We are to love likewise!
When we have done that, we are okay with God!
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All materials © 2008 Richard G. Schlief.
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