Reconciliation

We recently had a great ladies bible class over the topic of reconciliation. It was just so good I wanted to share it here. All credit goes to God, and my friend Lori H. for researching and presenting this lesson.

Restoring Broken Relationships

We as Christians, are reconciled with God through Jesus. We know by this example, that if we have any relationships in our lives which need mending or reconciliation, we need to make this a priortiy.

• Romans 5:10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
• 2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation

Throughout scripture, God tells us we need to love one another, and of the importance of getting along together. Humility is an extremely important part of this.

• Philippians 2:1-5 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus

It is also a mark of spiritual maturity.

• 1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.
• Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Seven Biblical Steps to Restoring a Relationship

1. Talk to God before talking to the person...
   
   James 4:1-2 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God.
   
   
2. Always take the initiative...
   
   Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
   
   Ephesians 4:26 In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry
   
   Can also hinder our relationship with the Lord...
   
   Proverbs 28:9 If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable.
   
   
3. Sympathize with the other persons feelings - listen more than you speak...
   
   Philippians 2:1-5 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus
   
   Psalms 73:21-22 When my heart was embittered and I was pierced within, then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.
   
   Romans 15:2-3 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
   
   
4. Confess your part of the conflict and ask for forgiveness...
   
   Matthew 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
   
   1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
   
   
5. Respond with gentleness, not with anger...
   
   Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
   
   Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
   
   
6. Cooperate as much as possible...
   
   Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
   
   
7. Emphasize RECONCILIATION not RESOLUTION...
   
   1 John 4:7-8 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

If you have a relationship in your life which has a particular problem or needs restoring, begin praying about a solution, and approach that person this week and let God work with you toward a better relationship.