Life to the Full

Jan. 22, 2017 | Short Accounts

Nothing is more destructive to our mind and heart than unresolved issues in relationships with others. 

• Unresolved hurt and offense are like a lead swimsuit.
• God knows this. He spends a tremendous amount of time in the Bible teaching us how to deal with our relationships with each other. 

We were made to be in relationships with others. It is the chief imperative of our character.

• God made us so He would have someone to love. We are made in his image. 
• If our relationships with each other are broken, our core is damaged. It always hurts.
• Healthy relationships with others lead to health in all other areas of our life – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. 
• The key is fix what we can control, and let go of what we can’t. 

Jesus said you could boil down all of God’s law into two simple statements: Love God with everything, love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40)

How do we get healthy?

1. Making it right with people is part of being right with God.

(Matthew 5:21-26 MSG)

“This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God. 

• When our relationships are broken, our worship is broken.

2. Forgive fast.

Colossians 3:12-14(NIV)

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Ephesians 4:20-27(NIV)

20 That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.

• The faster you resolve relationship issues, the healthier you will be. 
• How did the Lord forgive you?  


3. Keep short accounts.

(Matthew 5:21-26 MSG)

“Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out without a stiff fine.

• “Make the first move.” Make things right if you can. Try to live at peace with everyone. 
• If it’s possible you hurt someone with your words, ask forgiveness. 

QUESTIONS

• What about this teaching is challenging or difficult to accept?
• Can you think of a “long account” you have (someone you are angry with or who has something against you). Why has it lasted so long? Do you still believe change is possible?