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Refreshment in Refuge
by Gina Burgess
Sometimes a person just has to say "Enough." I did that yesterday, or was it the day before? I've slept since then and there is a lot on my plate that shouldn't or can't touch each other, sort of like how Monk eats his food. Normally, I love to just stir my food up and mix it all together, but these things don't have a lot to do with each other so they must be kept separate. Can I get a witness?
Well, when a brother or a sister has a field day with your feelings...
First, pray. Ask God for guidance in how to respond. You know He'll say, forgive. That's a given when dealing within the Body. Don't even think differently because Jesus spoke plainly about that to Peter. So, don't whine when he says to forgive.
Second, tell your sibling exactly how you feel. Do not let the sun go down on your anger! Be as direct and as explicit as you can, but spread it all over with kindness and don't be mean. You must consider that the hurt should stop with you and not let it keep spreading like cancer. Is that the way the world behaves? Of course not. Is that the way your Father would have you behave? Of course. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 18:15-17. You are the offended one and the responsiblity is yours to repair the relationship.
Third, if an apology does not come forth, then pray some more and follow Jesus' command in chapter 18 of Matthew. When an apology comes forth from your sibling in Christ, it does not matter how it comes, accept it graciously and then let the thing go!
Holding grudges only makes you miserable and completely spoils your peace and totally destroys the beautiful relationship with Father. It is so self-absorbed and self-directed.
Rejoice in having your sibling restored to you! Listen... you will spend eternity with this sibling so you might as well learn how to get along while still here on earth. Amen? Come on and say AMEN!
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Gina Burgess has taught Sunday School and Discipleship Training for almost three decades. (Don't tell her that makes her old.) She earned her Master's in Communication in 2013.
She is the author of several books including: When Christians Hurt Christians, The Crowns of the Believers and others available in online bookstores. She authors several columns, using her God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world. You can browse her blog at Refreshment In Refuge.
If you'd like to take a look at some Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction book reviews check out Gina's book reviews at Upon
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