Life brings with it, at times, personality conflicts and human struggles. We all want to be liked by everyone and do not want conflicts, but they happen. When they happen with a close associate or friend it is painful and sometimes difficult to understand or explain. At times it may be brought on by a misunderstanding that has to be resolved. Other times conflicts arise in jobs where a person is fired or laid off or just not promoted for whatever reason. Rejection is hard whether it is from friends, family, boss, co-workers or strangers. No one that I know of really likes to be rejected. It hurts. Newlyweds probably find their first conflict disheartening but two personalities have two opinions and thus some disagreements can occur. The key is to not let those cause you to argue and be hateful to one another. You sometimes have to 'choose' to let things go. Human nature says 'fight on' and Gods' nature says "move on'. Ephesians 4:31-32 says to "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
The good news is God is bigger than any rejection you can suffer at the hand of man. He loves you and he cares for you and this too shall pass. Romans 8:31-32 has something to say about rejection and it reads "What then shall we say to all this? If God is for us, who can be against us? Who can be our foe, if God is on our side? He who did not withhold or spare even His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him freely and graciously give us all other things?”
Life brings with it both joys and sorrows and tribulation. Relationships of all kinds are in that mix and things are bound to happen. We need to try to be a representative of Jesus Christ in all our human relationships be it with friends, spouse, girlfriend or boyfriend, co workers or strangers and if someone says something to hurt you do not try to counter that with something as it only makes matters worse. Give grace to the offender and let it alone or things will only get worse. You may feel like telling off a boss but it is not advised if you value your job. If you say something to hurt a loved one you need to go back and say you are sorry. Maybe someone should say they are sorry to you but they have not, then you have to be the bigger person and learn to move on and let it go.
Psalm 118:6 says "The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" It is the enemy, Satan, who likes to cause division and conflict. It is not from God. That is the thing to remember especially with someone you may be close to you are in conflict with. Be mad at the enemy and purpose in your heart to not allow this strife to continue. Proverbs 18:19 says "An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars." If you are separated by a misunderstanding with a friend and have tried to mend it and it has not worked just give that to God and move on as hard as it is. Matthew 5:44 tells us we are to " love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!" It is only through the help of God that is even possible.
It is painful to have problems in relationships. God cares and he is the great mender of feelings and relationships if you will only yield and surrender to admit and say "Lord come into this problem now. I give it to you. I can not heal this relationship without you father so I ask for your help." Just remember that being angry does not help. Ephesians 4:27 says "for when you are angry you give the devil a mighty foothold." So choose to love even those who do not love you and your life will be a better place. Proverbs 19:11 says it is better to overlook an offense.
PRAYER: Thank you Lord for another day you have given us to impact the world around us. Help us this day to be your hands and feet in a hurting world. If there is anyone out there I need to forgive bring them to mind and help me to let go and let God heal. Help me to nurture those relationships in my life I do have with overflowing kindness and love. Thanks again for all you have done in my life. In Jesus Name. Amen!.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlA5IDnpGhc
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