THE LOST ART OF RELATIONSHIP

We should feel compelled to seek forgiveness and reconciliation when we have done someone wrong.

There is hope!

When going through a hurtful situation in a relationship, it can feel as if it will never be made right again.

Trust can be broken.

Words can leave emotional scars.

Thoughts can take you captive to the hurt.

But insert hope into the equation! What happens then?

Love for someone can cover over a multitude of wrongs.

Forgiveness can heal wounds left by words.

Trust can be rebuilt.

Thoughts can be forced into submission.

Restoration is possible.

We all have a responsibility in our relationships, even if we are not the one causing the relational damage. It is up to us to show love, model healthy conflict resolution, and do our part to make things right. No, you will not be able to control the response of the other person. But you can control your response, whether you are the hurt-er or the hurt-ee.

Sometimes you have to allow the other person to separate themselves for a time. They may need to go through a process before they are ready to re-enter the relationship. In that time period, pray for them. Ask God to bless them, be with them, and help them in their relationships.

I’m not someone who says that positive thinking will change anything except your attitude. However, there is a quote by author Robert H. Schuller that has helped me: “Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.”^11

Hold out hope in your relationships. It is a powerful motivator. The next chapter expands on this.