Christians need wisdom in choosing friends. We should treat everyone kindly (Romans 12:9-21), but we should choose friends who are not rude, critical, ungodly, or selfish (1 Corinthians 15:33).
We don't, however, choose our family relationships. God does. And He wants us to do our very best to get along.
Reconciliation is a high priority in any relationship, but especially with family (Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 5-6). Sadly, many Christians work hard to maintain healthy relationships with friends and neighbors, but give up on family.
We shouldn't ignore problems. Instead, we should persistently and humbly work toward mutual reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:31-32 gives guidelines for biblical reconciliation:
1. We refuse to become bitter.
2. We control our anger.
3. We don't exaggerate problems or name-call.
4. We speak kindly and respectfully.
5. We act compassionately, trying to see things from the other person's perspective.
6. We forgive and refuse to hold grudges because Christ forgave us.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
If we refuse the messy work of reconciliation, we never learn to think beyond our selfish desires (Philippians 2:3-4). We never learn how to discuss things in a God-honoring way (6 Christian Rules of Speech). We never learn humility (We Need It: Humility).
So let's learn how to reconcile biblically out of love for the Lord.
Bible Love Notes
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