Saturday Sermonette--Things That Unite

Last week I talked about things that divide: in particular, things that divide friends and families. If you want to read that blog, click HERE.

Usually things that divide begin with words. Betrayal is a strong second. A strong break between family and friends is difficult to mend, as I'm sure you've seen or even experienced.

How do you mend these relationships? Start with God. He wants you to be in loving relationships with your family--He created family and friends both to be supporters and to be supported. We need each other.

First and foremost, ask God what He wants you to do. He might not want you to do anything until the time is right, and only He knows when that is.

I suspect He's going to ask you to say you're sorry--yes, even if the split was not your fault. It's possible to be sorry that your relationship has suffered even when it's none of your doing. Although, keep in mind it usually takes two to create the tension. Is it even remotely possible that a teensy piece of the fault might be yours? Will it kill you to say, "I'm sorry we're not as close as we used to be."?

He might also want you to say, "I love you."

Ask, and listen. Yes, God still speaks to us today. What will you have to sacrifice to mend the fence? Your pride? Your right to be right? Your standing in the family? A little time?

Your words will probably need to be followed with action. Remember the verse in Proverbs that says to do good to our enemies, because in so doing you will heap coals of fire on their heads AND the Lord will reward you.

Think about it: If someone does something unexpectedly nice for you after you've been less than nice to them, how does it make you feel? A little guilty? A little like making up, perhaps? But even if it doesn't, the Lord will reward you. Even if it's just that feeling you get when you do something good for someone else, it's reward enough.

But the point is you've taken the first step and that step has been on the path God would have you take. It is good to walk in step with the Lord, isn't it?

Try it, and let me know how it turns out. I'll do the same, and next week maybe we can compare notes. Deal?