Healing Family Relationships Through RepentanceSample

In healthy relationships, conversations about wrongs and hurts don't happen once a decade, but more like once a week. Jesus encourages us to address broken relationships without delay.

In Matthew 5, Jesus is speaking about a person who wants to worship and follow God. Specifically, this person has come to the Temple with an offering and then remembers a conflict with a brother. Jesus calls the man to leave the gift at the altar and first seek peace with his brother. Pursuing reconciliation is an act of worship.

God would have us keep short accounts with one another so that seeds of bitterness do not take root and later grow to cause trouble. The Lord challenges us in Ephesians 4 to not let the sun go down on our anger. God calls us to deal with sin and conflict quickly. Today is the best day to deal with today's problems.

When we allow hurts and offenses to accumulate without addressing them, we give the enemy a foothold in our relationships. Instead, by dealing with issues promptly and with humility, we create space for ongoing healing and growth. Repentance isn't a one-time event but a lifestyle of humility and accountability.

Reflection Question: What issue might you need to address with a family member before the sun goes down today?

Healing Family Relationships

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