20 Mar, 2007

We used to get along with each other, but...

Are you missing out on joy because you have a relationship that's missing?

Is there any conflict in any of your relationships right now?

It kind of takes the joy right out of your life doesn't it?

picture courtesy images.google.com

Hebrews 12:14-15 (NLT)

14 Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. 15 Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about the relationship between conflict in our relationships and our relationship with Christ?

Something that always robs us of our joy is unresolved conflict in relationships. Perhaps you've been fighting with your parents for weeks, or quarreling with your siblings, holding a grudge against someone, or you're barely on speaking terms with __________? Bitterness will paint our lives with jealousy, anger and immorality. It will keep us from experiencing the joy of Christ.

But when we're in right relationship with God, the Holy Spirit controls our attitudes and His power can bring healing to the hurt that causes bitterness in relationships. There's no guarantee that the other person will respond in the right way, but when we do our part in apologizing, forgiving and loving unconditionally, we will experience the joy of Christ again!

Let Christ help you picture healing in a hurting relationship by seeing that person through the eyes of Christ.

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Confess to God any grudge you have been holding toward someone. Thank Him for forgiving you. Ask Jesus to give you strength, patience and love to resolve your conflict. Let His Spirit fill you with joy!
  • Whenever you see pictures of family members and friends, thank God for those relationships and ask Him to help you see them and love them the way He does.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story scripture and our story to others?

Let Jesus help you identify one relationship in your life that is loaded with conflict. Pray for this person every day until God gives you the right time to go to this person and do your part in resolving the conflict.
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God's Story is brought to you by Youth for Christ. YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.

Our writer, Byron Emmert, has been with YFC for over 30 years and has served as Campus Life Staff, in leadership for DCLA, and as an author and speaker. Byron is available for speaking at youth or adult events and conferences. For booking, write to byron@3Story.org.

Byron and his wife Linda live in Minnesota and their family includes two married sons and daughters-in-law, a grandaughter, and a daughter in college. He loves sports, deep dish pizza, and spending time with his family.