Day 20: Restoring Broken Fellowship

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"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you."  Romans 12:3

Because God values our relationships, they are always worth restoring.  It takes a lot of maturity, talking with God, opening a communication line with sympathy, honesty, and non abrasive demeanor.  He wants us to be in peace with ourselves, life, and fellowship.  These requires acknowledging your mistakes and choosing your words wisely.  This is one of the hardest lessons I have had to learn.  I still struggle but am more at peace than I have every been.
I have had to learn that my tongue can be like razors that harvest bitterness and resentment.  It is about finding understanding.  It is about releasing our pride and self-centeredness.  Life rarely goes exactly how we picture it.  There are bumps, turns, and dead-ends we never imagine facing; but it how we face these obstacles and what we say in these obstacles that affects our relationships.  It affects our fellowship with God, other people, and ourselves.  When in doubt, do not act on first gut instinct; talk to God first before you speak another word.  More often than not, you will find he will change your heart or the other person's without you having to do much of anything. 

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.  Do not be conceited.  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
   “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."  Romans 12:14-21

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