Day 20 – How do I restore Broken Relationships?

How do I restore Broken Relationships?

Today’s topic touched on an important area – dealing with broken relationships and how to restore them. Since we know that God is love, He wants us to value relationships and make the effort of maintaining them instead of discarding them because of a rift, hurt or a conflict – 2 Corinth. 5 vs. 18 – All this is from God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.

We need to be reminded of the importance of getting along with each other, since our ability to get along with each other truly is a mark of respect [Philippians 2 vs. 1-2; Rom. 15 vs. 5]. More importantly, since the Lord Jesus wants us to be known for our love for one another, a broken fellowship will be a terrible testimony to unbelievers - John 13 vs. 35 – By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another. We also need to settle matters quickly [1 Corinth. 6 vs. 5; 1 vs. 10], to be peacemakers even though it may be hard work [Matt. 5 vs. 9] as this is a very important skill to develop.

But before we try to resolve conflicts we need to speak to God first concerning it. Chances are God would have worked on the heart of the other person because you asked Him to. One of the main reasons for conflict with one another tends to be unmet needs. We need to realise and come to terms with the fact that No one but God can meet our needs – James 4 vs. 1 – 2 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? After speaking to God about the matter, we need to take the initiative regardless of if we are the offender or the offended as God expects us to make the first move. Jesus even reminded us of priority of mending rifts [Matt. 5 vs. 23 – 24]. So if our relationship is strained or broken to see to it that a peace conference is planned immediately, not to procrastinate or make excuses but to act quickly, as delay only deepens resentment, affects our walk with God, keeps our prayers from being answered [1 Pet. 3 vs. 7; Prov. 28 vs. 9] and a senseless thing to do - Job 5 vs. 2 – Resentment kills a fool and envy slays the simple.

To work towards trying to prevent conflicts, we need to sympathise and pay close attention on other people’s feelings [Philip. 2 vs. 4], to listen to what they have to say and be able to look past our indifferences [Rom. 15 vs. 2], and finally to do like Jesus who endure unfounded malicious accusations and anger in order to save just me [Rom. 15 vs. 3]. We also need to admit to our own mistakes [Matt. 7 vs. 5; 1 John 1 vs. 8] as confession of our mistakes is a very powerful tool in dealing with or prevention of broken relationships. We also have to bear in mind that we will never get our point across by being cross, and to choose our words wisely [Prov. 15 vs. 1; Prov. 16 vs. 21], to say words that lifts and not condemns [Eph. 4 vs. 29; Rom. 12 vs. 18]. It may cost us our pride or self centeredness, but we must try and resolve conflicts and live in peace with one another immediately [Rom. 12 vs. 10; Philip. 2 vs. 3]. God expects unity not uniformity and we can walk together without necessary agreeing on the same issue.

Lessons learnt on Day 20 – so you ask me, what have I learnt from today’s lesson, well I am happy to inform you that I have been reminded and made aware of the need to work hard at living in peace with one another – 1 Pet. 3 vs. 11 - He must turn from evil and do good, he must seek peace and pursue it. So at this juncture I would like to ask you the reader this question, who do you need to restore a broken relationship with? We really need to make haste – Pray to God concerning it for directions and immediately resolve it.