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Relationship Are Always Worth Restoring

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Romans 12:18 (KJV)

Do everything possible on your part to live in peace with everybody. Romans 12:18 (TEV)

Question to Consider: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?
This list may be longer than I initially thought it would be. Sometimes relationships are broken due to out right conflict and sometimes they are broken from neglect. Because I’ve worked and gone to school full time, have a husband and kids, there are many who have been neglected by me. At this point, I need to start by praying about it – so that God can reveal what it is I need to do to reconcile. I’m sure it’s going to require a different approach for each person. After I pray, I can then pick up the phone and start placing some calls. Who do I need to check on today? Who do I need to encourage today? Who do I need to spend time with? Who do I need to apologize to? I want to do all I can to fix my relationships – then I’ll have to let God do the rest.

Important Quotes:
“Since Christ wants his family to be known for our love for each other, broken fellowship is a disgraceful testimony to unbelievers.” (Warren, 152)

“If you want God’s blessing on your life and you want to be known as a child of God, you must learn to be a peacemaker…peacemaking is one of the most important skills you can develop.” (Warren, 153)

“Peacemaking is not avoiding conflict. Running from a problem, pretending it doesn’t exist, or being afraid to talk about it is actually cowardice…Peacemaking is also not appeasement. Always giving in, acting like a doormat, and allowing others to always run over you is not what Jesus had in mind.” (Warren, 153)

“Talk to God before talking to the person. Discuss the problem with God. If you will pray about the conflict first instead of gossiping to a friend, you will often discover that either God changes your hart or he changes the other person without your help. All your relationships would go smoother if you just pray more about them.” (Warren, 154)

“Most conflict is rooted in unmet needs. Some of these needs can only be met by God. When you expect anyone – a friend, spouse, boss, or family member – to meet a need that only God can fulfill, you are setting yourself up for disappointment and bitterness. No one can meet all of your needs except God…Instead of looking to God, we look to others to make us happy and then get angry when they fail us. God says, ‘Why don’t you come to me first?’” (Warren, 154)

“It doesn’t matter whether you are the offender or the offended: God expects you to make the first move. Don’t wait for the other party. Go to them first. Restoring broken fellowship is so important, Jesus commanded that it even takes priority over group worship.” (Warren, 154)

“Use your ears more than your mouth. Before attempting to solve any disagreement you must first listen to people’s feelings…Focus on their feelings, not the facts. Begin with sympathy, not solutions.” (Warren, 155)

“It is a sacrifice to patiently absorb the anger of others, especially if it’s unfounded. But remember, this is what Jesus did for you.” (Warren, 156)

“If you are serious about restoring a relationship, you should begin with admitting your own mistakes or sin…Also ask God to show you how much of the problem is your fault.” (Warren, 156)

“When you begin by humbly admitting your mistakes, it defuses the other person’s anger and disarms their attack because they were probably expecting you to be defensive. Don’t make excuses or shift the blame; just honestly own up to any part you have played in the conflict. Accept responsibility for your mistakes and ask for forgiveness.” (Warren, 157)

“God expects unity, not uniformity, and we can walk arm-in-arm without seeing eye-to-eye on every issue.” (Warren, 158)

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