Overcoming Relationships
Broken relationships need to be restored: in your marriage, in your family, or with a friend. Joseph was restored to his brothers. God can help you overcome the challenges of broken relationships.
First, there are principles of restoration. (a) Repentance—sometimes we need to say, “I was wrong. It was my mistake. I will change.” In order to sincerely repent, we must do three things. #1 Acknowledge Wrongs: Joseph’s brothers remembered “all the evil which we did to him.” (Genesis 50:15) #2 Ask Forgiveness: twice in one verse, they asked Joseph to forgive them. (v. 17) #3 Offer Restitution: “we are your servants”. (v. 18) These actions must be sincere; it’s not repentance when we just try to cover our tracks after getting caught. Repentance involves a commitment to correct our ways. Russian writer Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.” (b) Forgiveness—we must give up revenge (Genesis 50:17); we must let go of anger (Genesis 45:3); and we must give grace (Genesis 50:19-21). The brothers received undeserved kindness, an act of grace. The problem is that forgiveness is hard to give and hard to receive. Guilt must be dealt with or nothing changes! Second, there are practices of restoration. We are in constant need of restoration: with family, friends, co-workers, fellow students, church members. Restoration to others means healing, growth, and closeness. But a lack of restoration means division, anger, bitterness, brokenness. We also have an ongoing need for restoration to God because of sin. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) You may need to restore relationships in your live … to others and to God. Don’t let anger, guilt, or pride stand in your way!
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.