I heard a message at church last weekend that made a real impact on me.
The focus was on the importance of restoration in our interpersonal relationships – whether with family, friends, loved ones, or whomever it might be. The importance of ‘making peace’ by coming to one another with love and humility instead of doing the opposite with avoidance or combativeness.
You may have heard it said that to achieve true peace you have to die to yourself. As part of the message we were urged to die to ourselves and put away the ‘mine’ mentality which can become so easy to adopt, even if you don’t think you’re doing it.
That was a ‘light bulb’ moment.
Do you have a person in your life who you are in conflict with right now? Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness? Is there someone you need to forgive? Have you been wanting to make things right with someone but been hesitant to do so because of fear, pride, or something else?
The time to do that is now. Don’t wait another day. Don’t wait until tomorrow to reach out. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Don’t let any more time go by before you decide to let love be your guide (Ephesians 5:1-2) and do what you already know is the right thing to do.
Ask someone for forgiveness. Forgive someone. (Colossians 3:13) Whatever it might be, make things right with that person you’re thinking about right now.
Be a peacemaker 🙂
Have a great day everyone.
positively second 
Thank you, Brian. This is a wonderful message.
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Thank you Kristin, for reading and for commenting. I’m glad to hear this spoke to you.
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I love reading your blog Brian so I’ve nominated you for the Illuminating Blogger Award! For more information, take a look at http://foodstoriesblog.com/illuminating-blogger-award/
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A tough message, but good advice. Thanks Brian.
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Sure thing! Thanks for reading…hope you have a great day.
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yes, honestly there is one person, my half-sister. she is as different from me as night and day. she has caused me much mental anguish and also has caused my brother many tears. these past five years. i have forgiven her, i think, but i do not want to socialize with her. her standard of living is something to be desired and i do not wish to ever be near if and when she gets in trouble with the law, so i do not speak to her in any form. instead i pray for her, but i wish things were different, they way they were when we much younger. so i ask myself at times, have i truly forgiven her? i ask myself what would Jesus do? what do you think Brian?
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Terry, thanks for writing. That sounds like a difficult situation. In the message this weekend, our pastor talked about certain circumstances that may be exceptions. If there is mental abuse or something like that going on, it may be something to take into account. But, if there is something telling you to call her or see her and put your thoughts and feelings out there in an effort to reconcile (doesn’t mean you will become best friends or even acquaintances) then I’d say go for it. The verse where it says ‘let love be your guide’ really speaks to me. It’s open to interpretation of course, but perhaps it will speak to you to. If there’s a chance for peace to be made, then by all means give it good thought 🙂
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thank you Brian. this is great advice. I will pray about it
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