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Week 6: Disconnection

 

One of the things that drives me nuts more than anything else when I'm online is getting disconnected. Usually, all I have to do is click a button to reconnect, but it's still the principle of the thing. I may feel righteously indignant at the matter; that I did nothing to deserve this heinous injustice. Still, I don't let my pride get in the way of logging back on and reestablishing contact. If only it were that simple when we lose contact with other people. Sometimes firewalls of pain and pride get put up between us that take time to hack into. Firewalls are meant as means of defense. When placed around our heart they are supposed to be a protection against further hurt, but they can also trap us and keep up from being close to anyone. God knows the password to get you beyond that and will give it to you if you only ask.

 

Mark 11:25-26 "And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

 

Forgiveness brings freedom. When we accept the forgiveness God gives up by accepting Jesus, we become free from our sins and the debt they require. When we forgive others, it sets us free from the hurt that they have caused. They may not even know they did anything wrong. They may not really care. None of that really matters. Unforgiveness mainly hurts the one who is carrying it around. If you let Him, God can take that burden away for you. The key is letting go of it.

 

Matthew 5:23-24 "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

 

Sometimes, we are the ones who cause the disconnection. We all make mistakes. We have all hurt somebody at some point, whether we realize it or not. The guilt of that can get in the way of our relationship with God. We need to do our best to make things right starting with apologizing to the ones we've hurt. It's not easy. Sometimes that person you need to fix the com lines between isn't even around anymore to do that with. Sometime the other person may even like that firewall just where it is. God promised that He will never leave you or forsake you. He will bring restoration if you let Him, even if it is only to you.

 

Assignment:

Is there a strained or broken relationship in your life right now? If so, ask God what you should do about it and take the appropriate steps for restoration. Also, take the initiative to make a good relationship even better this week by letting them know how much they mean to you.