“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” - Hebrews 12:14
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?
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” - Romans 12:18
Have you ever said “that is their problem”? Just distanced yourself from the issue. Like an ostrich with its head in the sand. Pretending there is no "elephant in the room". The problem does not go away, you just don’t have to look at it. 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. Don't chase it as if you feel like you will have failed if you don't. Sometimes people use love and acceptance as a carrot with no intention of actually giving it. 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. We are to strive for peace - as far as it depends upon us - not the other person. But more, we are to strive for holiness - in spite of those "someones".
Unforgiveness always leads to bitterness. Don’t allow bitterness to take root, but let forgiveness abound instead. Peter asked Jesus
“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. Forgive because you have been forgiven through Jesus and by faith. This isn’t about a restored relationship with a person but having 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 don't let it be 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.
“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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