How to Start Repairing Broken Relationships, Part 2 - "Back to You"
Sep 8, 2023
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In this podcast, they discuss the responsibility of fixing broken relationships, share personal stories, and explore different ways to repair relationships. They emphasize the importance of putting the other person first, forgiveness, and choosing repair over revenge.
Repairing broken relationships requires choosing to get back to the person, not getting back at them.
True reconciliation involves actively seeking to reconcile with the other person, seeing them as God sees them and removing retribution as an option.
Deep dives
Decision #1: Get Back To, Not Back At
One of the key decisions in repairing broken relationships is to choose to get back to the person, not get back at them. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of sincere love, genuine care, and deferring to the other person. He urges us to allocate our hate towards the actions or consequences rather than hating the person themselves. We are challenged to honor one another and put the other person's needs above our own pride and ego. Additionally, we are encouraged to bless those who persecute us and refuse to celebrate their losses. By making the intentional decision to get back to, we create an environment that paves the way for potential reconciliation.
The Power of Forgiveness and Waiting
Forgiveness alone is not enough to repair a broken relationship. The Apostle Paul reminds us that God's forgiveness was a means to an end - the ultimate goal being reconciliation. Forgiving and waiting at a distance is not true reconciliation. We are called to do more and actively seek to reconcile with the other person. By choosing to see them as God sees them, feeling what God feels towards them, and removing retribution or payback as an option, we become open to the transformative work that God can do in us and in the relationship.
Deciding to Reassemble with No Regrets
The first decision in repairing broken relationships is not just about reconciliation, but about living with no regrets. While it may be tempting to wait for the other person to make the first move, the Apostle Paul challenges us to take the initiative and make the decision to get back to the person. This requires letting go of pride, deferring to the other person, blessing instead of cursing, and refusing to repay evil with evil. While this decision does not guarantee reconciliation, it creates an environment and posture that is conducive to the potential healing and reassembly of the relationship.
When someone wrongs us it’s tempting to want revenge. But in order to repair a relationship, we must fight the urge to get back AT and instead be proactive in getting back TO the other person.