Do You Want Reconciliation?

Relationships are important to the Lord. If we wish to restore relationships, we should be repentant, forgiving peace-seekers.

1. Repentant – 1 John 1:9.
Taking responsibility for our sins first and foremost! 
See 6 Characteristics of Sincere Repentance.

2. Forgiving - Ephesians 4:30-32.
Knowing that forgiveness is the most important aspect of reconciliation.
See A Biblical Truth No One Refutes.

3. Peace-seekers - Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 14:19.
Willing to reconcile with others even if it's messy and takes time, effort, and commitment.
See Others First.

We must avoid:

1. Silent manipulation.
If we refuse to discuss problems, we add hopelessness to the existing problems and we violate Matthew 5:23-24.(1) 
See You Can't Serve God if You Refuse.

2. Hypocritical judging.
If we can only see the other person's sins and not our own, we add arrogance and close-mindedness to the existing problems and we violate Matthew 7:1-5.(2)
See Guard Against Plank-Eye and Refusing Correction.

If we have either of these problems, we need to start at the top list and repent.

Let’s pursue peace! 
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(1) Even if discussions haven’t proven helpful in the past, we shouldn’t give up if the other person is willing to give it a try (Matthew 18:21-22).

(2) If we take on this attitude, we often focus on the other person’s response to our offense, not the offense itself. For example: if we do something offensive and the other person gets angry, we focus on their anger, not our offense.

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