HOW TO RESTORE A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP

For One Cause—CHRIST!  

“ I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself.” (Colossians 2:2)

 HOW TO RESTORE A BROKEN RELATIONSHIP

1  Talk to GOD before talking to the person.

In doing so, you may find a change of heart or the other person may have changed without your help.

This may provide you the clarity you need.

2.    Always take the initiative.

Make the first move; don’t wait for the other party. By delaying it deepens resentment and makes matters worse.

Acting quickly reduces the damage.

3.    Sympathize with their feelings.

Listen first. Hear what they are feeling. Focus on their feelings and not the facts.

Begin with sympathy; not the solutions.

4.    Confess your part of the conflict.

Admit your own mistakes. Determine how much of the problem is actually your fault or issue.

5.    Attack the problem, not the person.

You cannot fix the problem if you are fixing blame. Choose between the two.

How you say things is as important as what you say.

6.    Cooperate as much as possible.

Sometimes it costs us our pride; often our self-centeredness.

Do your best to compromise, adjust to others and show preference to their needs.

Lord, help me guard my heart above all else, for it determines the course of my life.  Help me restore relationships that I may serve the Body of Christ as You have intended me too.  Lord, continue to teach me about Your perfect Character through the Beatitudes in Mat. 5:3-12.  Help me to become more and more like You each day.  Amen