What To Do When You Can’t Get Along With Someone

Is there someone who just does not like you? There can be a number of reasons for the conflict.  May be something you did or didn’t do. May be personality, or something more nefarious like race or geographic origin – are you’re a Yankee or not from Texas? So what are you supposed to do Christian?  (Romans 12:18) “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”  Have you ever said “that is their problem”?  Just distanced yourself from the issue.  Like an ostrich with its head in the sand.  The problem does not go away, you just don’t have to look at it.  (Hebrews 12:14) “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” You must make the effort to be reconciled.  Seek to be at peace with them.  And if you are rebuffed in your attempt?  You move on with your life.  Broken relationships are not like broken bones. They may not mend, ever.  You might wish they would, but the fact is that a restored relationship is dependent upon both parties.  

Don’t allow bitterness to take root, but let forgiveness abound instead.  Peter asked Jesus (Matthew 18:21-22) “Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Jesus proceeded to tell the parable about the unforgiving servant.  He had been forgiven much but refused to forgive others in the same way.  This isn’t about a restored relationship but a right heart attitude.  Restoration may happen, but it is not a pre-requisite for forgiveness.  Repentance is a necessary for restoration.  Without repentance, the relationship will remain broken, but not on your account.  And be careful, receiving someone when they have not repented is a sure-fire recipe for more brokenness.  Like the Father of the prodigal son – you may be waiting – watching – hoping that the relationship will be restored on day.  Your heart may hurt – especially if it involves a family member.  Turn to the Father – the God of all comfort. And let the love of God, the fruit of the Spirit rule in your heart.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-8) “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” CHARLEY