Making Sure I Am On the Right Side
“As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the Lord is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. For who is God, but the Lord?
And who is a rock except our God, The God Who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless?” (Psalm 18:30-32, NASB95)
I was praying this morning about a broken relationship. As I was praying, I was telling the Lord that I really want the relationship to be restored and that, if that were not possible, the person would find a way to plug into a church where they could serve, even if not with us. As I was praying, my mind began to replay the hurtful words that had been exchanged between us. I regret those words. I have asked God’s forgiveness and theirs, but the relationship remains broken.
It is easy for me to fall off the truck on either side. On the one hand, I can continue to beat myself up over careless words and obsess over my failures and completely forget about forgiveness and grace. I can also become smugly satisfied that I have done everything I can to make this situation right and, by the way, the other person has said harsh words to me and about me, so what about their need to seek my forgiveness? This is pride. This is something God plainly hates.
“There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him:
Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16–19, NASB95)
The problem is that either of these approaches drags me away from an awareness and appreciation for God and His power at work in me to change me to be more like Him. Wallowing in my failures and refusing to be consoled with His word and promise of forgiveness is another form of pride. I need to learn to accept He has forgiven me, and I have fulfilled the scriptural mandate for dealing with the situation.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.” (Romans 12:18, NASB95)
When I read Psalm 18 this morning, I was immediately drawn to God to be my shield and to come to my defense in this broken relationship, but before I can do that, I need to make sure that I search my heart to make sure I take refuge in Him and am not trying hurt the other person or proudly justify myself. Instead, I must humbly submit to His right to rule and reign. I need to make sure I am on the right side.
If you have any broken relationships, have you pursued reconciliation? If not, why not? Have you asked forgiveness? If not, why not? Have you confessed your part of the situation to God? If not, why not? Have you begun to pray the other person? If not, why not? Why not make sure you are on the right side today?