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Easier Said than Done

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.  Romans 12:18

 

God's will is for us to live at peace with everyone, but sometimes the door to a broken relationship seems closed forever. The marriage has died, or the children are rejecting you. Your father abandoned your family, or your disapproving mother has cut off all contact. A business partner has turned away in anger, or a former friend wants nothing to do with you.

If someone rejects us and absolutely refuses to have anything to do with us, we can't force that person to change. But we can--and should--do everything we can to keep the door open to a possible reconciliation. We shouldn't strike back or condemn; instead, we shoulld let them know we still care and that we hope someday his or her attitude will change. And if we were at fault--even in small ways--we need to admit it and ask for forgiveness.

We also should pray. We can't change the person we're estranged from, but God can. Even when the door seems firmly closed, God is able to open it. Do all you can to restore that broken relationship--and trust God for the outcome.

From, HOPE for Each Day: Morning & Evening Devotions, by Billy Graham.