Some Christians disagreed with my post Love, Not Like. They felt God enables us to solve all relationship problems.
Scripture admonishes us to love each other, but I don't believe we'll necessarily like everyone or work well with everyone this side of heaven.
Why?
1. Some Christians are immature. We can only do our part (Romans 12:18).
2. We're all "working out our salvation." It's a process (Philippians 2:12-13).
3. Life is complex. The Bible gives principles, not detailed steps for every situation (Romans 14).
Last year I wrote an acquaintance to ask forgiveness for a situation where I behaved badly. When the situation occurred, I thought I'd done the right thing. Time, maturity, and prayerful self-examination showed me I was wrong and needed to apologize to this person.
Sanctification is a process. If we aren't growing and seeing our sins more clearly, we need to seek God more fully. But it's unrealistic to think we can solve all relationship problems this side of heaven.
Oh this is such a timely word. I often try to explain my stance that God call me to love everyone and He also knows I may not like them all each step of the way. To me uts apples and oranges. Feelings versus facts. Someone may care less if you like them at all, but if you love on them like Jesus they will be receptive to that even if they don't realize it. This summarizes exactly what I mean. Thank you so much for this beautiful scripture based confirmation.
ReplyDeleteCertainly most of the time Christians should be willing to walk an extra mile to solve relationship problems, but I totally agree with you. All problems and difficulties will NOT be solved this side of Heaven, no matter how much one tries or how far we've journeyed in the road of santification. As the saying goes, "it takes two to tango". I might add that sometimes it isn't even wise to pursue an approximation (abuse, affairs etc.) I see it all too often - an artificial, triumphalistic brand of Christianity where people are even afraid to merely mention the existence of problems, lest "the Devil might hear and you give him legal rights to get involved in the situation"...
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy receiving your lovenotes, they are short and very sweet, I always learn something from them and find them informative, convicting and a blessing. Some emails I subscribe to get flagged for later or deleted, but not yours. May God continue to bless you with wisdom and guidance to continue this ministry.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, You piqued my interest with your statement that you believe writing your acquaintance was wrong. How do you believe you should have handled the situation? Thanks for your transparency!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry...the way I wrote that I see how you might think that was the case. Actually, I was trying to convey the thought that I thought I was right when I offended this person and only after time did I realize that I needed to repent. I believe writing and asking their forgiveness was the right thing to do.
DeleteI need to do a rewrite on that one, I think. :)
Ah, yes! I see now what you meant. Thanks for the clarification. And yes, your re-write/edit makes perfect sense now. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteHi Gail,
ReplyDeleteI've recently had a situation where my expectations of a person's actions and reality didn't line up. I'm sad to say that instead of recognizing the harm they caused and repenting, they attacked and blamed me. I'm struggling to not feel bitter. I know that God does answer our prayers and is working this through- I have doubts it will ever be rectified and it has forever changed my relationship with this person and by relation, their family. Thank you for sharing this. It gave me the perspective to move on and let God handle this. I enjoy and gain from each of your posts!! You have blessed MANY through your insight, study and knowledge of God's word and your faithful obedience and love for Him.
I've learned that being right is not as important as relationships. As long as sin is not involved, everything else is just opinion.
ReplyDelete