Friday, August 27, 2021

Resilient Relationships – How?

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” [1]

It is so easy to misjudge God, others, and us. Recently, an intercessor has been praying the above Bible verse for us. God is answering her prayers. The Lord is bringing to light the hidden things of darkness. He is revealing the counsel of the heart. Praise God!

For me, this divine discernment has helped me see a greater need in me for God’s grace and forgiveness. If I am so focused on the high standard, I have set for myself, I may inadvertently make others around me feel unwanted when they are not helping me reach my goal.

Job’s friends misjudged his situation. They thought he was suffering because of sin or injustice in his life, but in fact, Satan had asked God for permission to test Job’s love for God with all out devastation. The concern of being misjudged had the effect of turning Job inward. Before his test occurred, Job was constantly caring for his family, for his friends and even for strangers. He needed to get back to that former lifestyle.

Thankfully, the Lord rescued Job from inwardness. He moved Job to pray with love and forgiveness for his friends who had misjudged him.

“And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” [2]

God’s grace and forgiveness are core teachings of Christ. He works in believers by the power of His Holy Spirit to make us more like Him. The people of the world need an healthy alternative to rage, rants for justice and for offence. What does offence yield? Offences yield fences. What does the Lord’s grace and forgiveness yield? His grace and forgiveness yield loving and resilient relationships. Just what we need.

[1] 1 Corinthians 4:5
[2] Job 42:10

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