“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:18
Is there someone who just does not like you? There can be a number of reasons for the conflict. It may be something you did or didn’t do. It may be personality, or something more nefarious like race or geographic origin, jealousy and envy or it may be you’re a Yankee or not from Texas? So what are you supposed to do about it Christian?
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. Well, the Bible is pretty clear.
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14
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. But for your part don’t allow bitterness to take root, but let forgiveness abound instead.
Peter asked Jesus about being willing to forgiveness - given there is repentance on the part of the one who has given offense.
“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.” - Matthew 18:21-22
Jesus proceeded to tell the parable about the unforgiving servant. He had been forgiven much but refused to forgive others in the same way.
"But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt." - Matthew 18:28-30
Notice the offender sought forgiveness. When that happens, we must be ready to give it. This isn’t about a restored relationship but a repentant heart. Repentance is a necessary first step for forgiveness and restoration. 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. Restored trust is another matter. Trust is an easy thing to lose and a hard thing to get back - being trustworthy must be proven - not just promised.
“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.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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