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He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:12-15)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. (Romans 12:17)
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:13)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
DEVOTIONAL
When a Pharisee asked Jesus, "Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" Jesus said, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” Matthew 22:37-39
The two greatest commandments were built around relationships; God values good relationships. When we begin to have broken relationships, it breaks God’s heart. However, when we begin to live out forgiveness, empathy, and restoration, it is a sign we are becoming more Christlike. Of course, there are times when reconciliation is not possible, but we shouldn’t make a habit of discarding relationships.
One practical way to build a bridge in a broken relationship is to pray for the other person. Prayer softens our hearts and helps us to begin to see the other person through God’s eyes. In addition to prayer, we may need to ask for forgiveness or take the time to clear up a potential misunderstanding. Most often, relationships aren’t weakened by this process, but rather strengthened. Take the time to ask God today, “Are there any relationships in my life that need repair?” Pray for the person and seek His wisdom on your next steps towards a peaceful relationship.
DECLARATION
I love people because God loves people. I will believe the best about others, and if I have hurt anyone, I will confess it to God and then go to them and ask for forgiveness. I will not be critical, but rather, look for God’s goodness in everyone and in every situation.
PRAYER
Jesus, I pray that you would help me to live out the first two commandments of love. Repair the broken relationships in my life and help me to walk in humility, love, and forgiveness. I pray that you would lead me to a place of peace in my relationships and that I would value others like you value them. In Jesus’ name, amen.