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!
For more of my thoughts, check out my personal blog at
http://www.ronedmondson.com where I write on issues such as marriage, parenting, church and leadership.
Interested in getting
Mustard Seed Thoughts in your email box?
Enter your email below to add or update your subscriptions to
Mustard Seed Thoughts.
Ron is on Twitter. Find him at
http://twitter.com/ronedmondson
Mustard Seed Ministry is reaching around the world with Biblical truths. The ministry is designed to spur the Christian from the smallest amount of faith, onto spiritual growth and maturity. This ministry goes places the church cannot enter. If you would like to support the work of this ministry, send contributions to Mustard Seed Ministry, PO Box 3698, Clarksville, TN 37043, or through Pay Pal (www.paypal.com) to
ron.mustardseed@Christweb.com email address.
Mustard Seed Ministry is a non-profit, donor supported outreach, touching thousands with encouragement and hope everyday. If you would like more information about the ministry or would consider supporting this work financially, check out the website at www.mustardseedministry.com.
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. 
RSS Feed