Relationships

So, now that the new year has begin, are you considering how to develop, deepen or even repair some of your relationships with friends, family and loved ones? If you are, what are some of the things you are doing? Christians are called to love to offer mercy and forgiveness and to even offer love to those who are enemies, who are trying to take you away from your relationship with Jesus Christ. How sad it is when Christians sit in judgment of other Christians. How sad it is when true reconciliation is not possible because of anger, bitterness and criticism that has infected so many of our relationships. But God has not given up on us. He so loved the world that he sent his son into the world, not to condemn it but that we might have life. Living in the Spirit, living in the abundant life of our Lord Jesus Christ, is possible even in the midst of crises and painful situations. All it takes is one person. When one person stands up and decides to live in the Spirit, then God can and will work in the relationship. There is real healing possible when even one person seeks to live in the freedom of the sons of God.

There is so much hate in the world, even among people who are so-called Christians. There is so much pain the world because of unhealthy relationships or a holding on to anger and bitterness. Jesus will take the pain away, and he will transform the pain into suffering. Suffering is redemptive whereas pain cuts off the healing power of the Holy Spirit. Living the Five Love Languages is only the beginning to a healing of all your relationships. There is more work that needs to be done, but once you begin living the love languages, then the Holy Spirit will become a part of that relationship and he will bless it with his gifts and fruits.

As we begin this new year, let us put aside all our anger and bitterness and offer true forgiveness and reconciliation to those who have hurt us. Be free of the bodily and spiritual chains that keep you away from God and live in the freedom of the children of God.