Reestablishing Relationships
ICS Daily Devotions
Matthew 18:21-22 (NKJV) Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.
Whenever we seek to reestablish relationships with people who have sinned against us, we know that God can empathise with us because humanity has sinned against Him. God has used the principle advocated in these verses to restore His relationship with us. Therefore, we must do the same with those who have sinned against us.
Though challenging, love, humility, and forgiveness are the cornerstones of our Christian walk. By actively practising them, we will grow from spiritual infancy to maturity. In doing so, we will become more Christlike, and people will know we are Christ’s disciples.
First, we need to know that we all have shortcomings, make mistakes and sin. John 8:1-11 records Jesus asking those who want to stone the adulterous woman to cast the first stone if any of them had never sinned in their lives. Yet no one dared to admit that they had not sinned. Therefore, we should learn not to be quick in pointing fingers at the speck in other people’s eyes, criticising and accusing without realising that there is a massive log in our own eyes (Matthew 7:4). We must bear in mind that we are all fallen beings. We can also be easily offended if we are not careful with ourselves.
Second, the devil is at work and will play into our emotions and the work of the flesh because he is the master of stealing, killing, and destroying relationships (John 10:10). The devil does not fear that anyone is gifted, talented, and anointed because if that person lacks the character to carry the anointing, gifts, and talents, their downfall is imminent. The devil is crafty and plays into our emotions by casting doubts in our minds. Therefore, we must watch out for his scheme to divide and conquer within the family, cell group, church, and any other Christian organisation. We do not fight against flesh and blood but against principalities, power, dominion, and might (Ephesians 6:12).
We need to be exceptionally watchful whenever we set out to build a strong family, a church, or anything that will glorify God through our lives. The devil and his cohorts will try to drive wedges between us because they know that much can be done and achieved if we unite in love and purpose. He will seek to destroy us using our character flaws through different situations and complex relationships. Therefore, we must have the humility and wisdom to deal with an offence in God’s way, bring closure and reestablish relationships.
Sermon Series：What Is Seventy Times Seven Times?
