Reconciliation (September 14)

So I have been going to this church ok, and every time I go the preachers keep messing with me. Like I went one week and the preacher preached, “Don’t Blow it.” Which was basically about when in a place of success you need to not blow it? I’m sitting there like, could’ve used that message a little while ago. So I gave them another chance and then a different preacher preaches “Succeeding in New Arenas.” And here I am in new arenas in every phase of life no less than a month later. Then the pastor, who I had only heard once, was messing with me about relationships (i.e. what generated two past blogs.) Now this past Sunday took the cake, when I settled in my seat to hear the topic the same minister that preached “Don’t Blow it.” Preached “Seek Reconciliation; Reconciliation brings Restoration.” So as an attempt to catch up on Monday’s missing blog (I know you were hurt and disappointed when you saw no new blog on Monday) I will give his outline.

First off he said if it’s going to be possible, recognizing that some relationships, generally abusive ones do not need to be reconciled. But if it’s going to be possible you’ll need at least these five things:

1. Personal initiative. Hosea 3:1 God told Hosea "go again" and take his prostitute wife back. When God came to Hosea He didn’t ask whose fault it was. Somebody has to make an effort.

2. Unconditional Love. Hosea 3:1 Hosea had to love his wife, Gomer where she was, even though she was still more than likely in prostitution. It wasn’t a time to vent his frustration; it was a time to show love.

3. Sacrifice. Hosea 3:2 It may cost time, energy, a series of conversations, your pride, it may even cost your public reputation (as far as with those who know why you aren’t reconciled) But it is worth it for reconciliation.

4. Mutual understanding. Hosea 3:3 Unconditional love is not tolerating or bypassing sin. You don’t have to put up with unacceptable or intolerable behavior. And that’s on both parts, don’t agree to accept any kind of behavior from someone just to get along, and don’t promise something that you aren’t willing to do. Don’t go along just to get along.

5. Patience Hosea 3:4 It takes time and responsibility. Hosea set up some boundaries, and he knew that it would not happen over night. Don’t allow yourself to over promise and under deliver. I don’t know who this was for. But it helped me.