Relationships with Others
1 Minute:
It's a new year and a time where many of you are thinking of restoring relationships. I want to encourage you that if you have that "not so good feeling" because someone has taken advantage of you or maybe unintentionally mistreated a friend; you owe her money, lunch or a favor.
In Jesus' eyes, broken relationships are always our responsibility. If someone has something against us, he commands us to go and make it right. If we have something against another person, we're responsible for taking the initiative to settle our differences (see Matthew 18:15). It's not comfortable, but it's the right thing to do.
Maybe it's time to engage someone in conversation rather than detach from the relationship, to repay a debt or apologize for a wrong. Though restitution is hard, your relationships will be richer for it!
5 Minutes:
Pray: Holy Spirit, please bring to mind any strained or broken relationships in my life- and what I can do to restore them. Give me the courage to make restitution and to be an active peacemaker. Even though it's hard, your way is always best. Continue to pray as the Spirit leads you, or just sit quietly in God's presence.10 Minutes:
We as women have a hard time with this. We hold emotions to the memories and dealing with it face to face gives us that horrible gut feeling that no one can describe. Truthfully, who wants to re-live that feeling, emotion or thought every time that "someone's" name is mentioned or thought of? Just not a pleasant way to live and we are only hurting ourselves if we don't take care of the broken relationship. We are living in disobedience if we allow it to just be. The scripture instructs us to take care of it before we even start to worship Him. God has put a huge responsibility on us and if we do not listen to His commands it hurts our spiritual walk with him, not the other person.
Matthew 18:15-20
New International Version (NIV)
15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[c] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
Reconciliation
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be[d] bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be[e] loosed in heaven.
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Colossians 3:13
New International Version (NIV)
13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
End personal conflicts before worshiping God:
Matthew 5:23-24
New International Version (NIV)
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(or brother)
1 John 4:20-21
New International Version (NIV)
20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
We want to be role models for our children right?
Titus 2:7-8
New International Version (NIV)
7 In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness 8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
1 Corinthians 11:1
New International Version (NIV)
1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
John 13:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Word to take with you today:
Restitution
Restitution
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