Day 20

Chapter Twenty: Restoring Broken Fellowship

Because you were formed to be a part of God's family and the second purpose of your life on earth is to learn how to love an relate to others, peachemaking is one of hte most important skills you can develop. Unfortunately, most of us were never taught how to resolve conflict. -Rick Warren

Isn't that the truth? I still do not know how to resolve conflict...not really. I become too emotional about things. Here I am told I need to be a peacemaker...

Peacemaking is also not appeasement. Always giving in, acting like a doormat, and allowing others to always run over you is not what Jesus had in mind. He refused to back down on many issues, stnding his ground in the face of evil opposition. -Rick Warren

I am so glad that this is addressed, it discounts the belief that Christianity is synonymous with passivity. I sometimes feel that people expect Christians to "turn the other cheek", when in fact I have learned that Christians are called to be aggressive in the face of evil..."Live and let live is NOT a Christian decree".

We can reestablish a relationship even when we are unable to resolve our differences. Christians often have legitimate, honest disagreements and differing opinions, but we can disagree without being disagreeable. -Rick Warren

This speaks volumes on maturity. Realizing that not everyone has to have the same opinion makes relationships much easier/ better. I know taht this is a point of contention within my own circle of friends, who have a very diverse range of opinions on various subjects. The ability to not agree and still reconcile is very important.

Point to Ponder: Relationships are always worth restoring.

Verse to Remember: Romans 12:18 Do everything on your part to live in peace with everybody.

Question to Consider: Who do I need to restore a broken relationship with today?

Gosh that should be an easy question...there are a few people who I have "lost" along the way. I think that the oldest relationship that needs restoring is the one with my mother. I don't remember the last time I spoke to her. I remember that before the New Year I asked if we could get together and "talk" because so many negative things occured between us during the wedding planning phase. She informed me that she didn't see how it would do any good. So, I haven't made any more attempts since then. Then there is my absentee friend Karen, who only touches base with me when something tumultuous is going on in her own life...then she disappears again. Then there is Scott G. who for all intents and purposes stopped being my friend because I am friends with someone he doesn't like...
Of the three, I am not sure which one God would want me to work on first...probably my mother. Something I need to pray about.