Freedom From Broken Relationships: Make Peace Series

Freedom from Broken Relationships –Make Peace

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: . . . hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy . . . and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21

1. Offense is inevitable. but

2. Peace begins at home-with you. Decide to make peace & half the battle is won.

3. Trust God. Leave vengeance/retribution in the LORD’s hands.

4. Relationship is more important than the Right, or Power, or Riches or Respect you think you deserve

5. Replace Anger with Love-Watch your Words.

Jesus said “It is impossible that no offenses should come” (Luke 17:1)

If you want to catch an animal you need a trap that will hold the animal until you are ready to collect it. But to get the animal in the trap you have to put something there that will attract it-bait. John Bevere says offense is like bait in the trap Satan sets for each one of us.

One of his most deceptive and insidious kinds of bait is something every Christian has encountered—offense. Actually, offense itself is not deadly—if it stays in the trap. But if we pick it up and consume it and feed on it in our hearts, then we have become offended. Offended people produce much fruit, such as hurt, anger, outrage, jealousy, resentment, strife, bitterness, hatred, and envy. Some of the consequences of picking up an offense are insults, attacks, wounding, division, separation, broken relation- ships, betrayal, and backsliding.

Often those who are offended do not even realize they are trapped. They are oblivious to their condition because they are so focused on the wrong that was done to them. They are in denial. The most effective way for the enemy to blind us is to cause us to focus on ourselves. -John Bevere The Bait of Satan

So

1. Offense is inevitable. but

2. Peace begins at home. Decide to forgive & half the battle is won.

Joseph -Genesis 50

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.

19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

"Peace, like charity, begins at home." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

Moses -Numbers 12

Miriam & Aaron stood against Moses because he had married an African lady. God struck Miriam with leprosy. When Aaron repented and begged Moses forgiveness, Moses prayed for Miriam, and she was healed.

Contrast Moses attitude with a married couple who had a serious argument:

The couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, goats, and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically,

"Relatives of yours?"

"Yep," the wife replied, "in-laws."

"Peace, like charity, begins at home." -Franklin D. Roosevelt

1. Offense is inevitable. But

2. Forgiveness and peace begin with you. Decide to forgive & half the battle is won.

3. Trust God-Leave vengeance/retribution in the LORD’s hands.

Three idiots are in the forest when they spot a set of tracks. Idiot No. 1 says, "Hey, deer tracks!" Idiot No. 2 says, "No, dog tracks!" Idiot No. 3 says, "You’re both crazy—they’re cow tracks!" They were still arguing when the train hit them. www.rd.com/jokesi

Usually our arguments are self-destructive. But the solution is found in placing the outcome in God’s hands.

As Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done” we have to trust God that He is in control & leave the outcome to Him.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Hebrews 12:17-19