Read: Philippians 4: 1-9
Think: When someone fails us or we fail them, we have an important responsibility. One that if neglected has a pretty heavy price… It interferes in our relationship with God and can even hurt His church. So when it comes to troubled relationships, God wants us to take the initiative to move toward healing the rift.
Restoring broken fellowship is so important that Jesus commanded that it even take priority over group worship. Look at what Matthew chapter five has to say: “If you enter your place of worship and are about to make an offering, but you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God" (Matthew 5:23-24 MSG).
Here’s the thing…It doesn't matter whether you are the offender or the offended, God desires that you make the first move. Don't procrastinate, make excuses, or promise you'll get around to it someday. Set up a one-on-one get together as soon as possible. Delay only deepens resentment and makes matters worse. When it comes to conflict, time doesn’t heal but it sure can allow hurts to fester.
Moving to resolve quickly also reduces the negative spiritual impact on you. The Bible says sin, including unresolved conflict, stands in the way of our fellowship with God and keeps our prayers from being answered, and can affect our church. Job's friends reminded him, "To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do" (Job 5:2 TEV), and "You're only hurting yourself with your anger" (Job 18:4 TEV). And we read in today’s scripture passage Paul wrote to two women in the church, saying, “I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.”The issue between these two women threatened to tear down the witness of the Philippian church if left unresolved. So Paul urged a “true companion” (v.3) to help rebuild that relationship.
Do: Practically speaking, make sure when you set up the time to work through any issues, you have first prayed for the Lord’s direction and presence… Choose the right time and place to meet, when you are in a good place mentally and spiritually. Be humble and speak the truth in love.
Pray: Lord, I don’t want anything to stand in the way of having the relationship with YOU that is nothing short of the best. As part of that, I know honoring You in my relationships is important – so I ask for your help. Show me how to take the initiative and do my part to bring healing and restoration to all my relationships. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.