Take for example, pride, vanity and selfishness that Satan uses to tempt us, revolving around protecting ourself from those who "hurt" us.
We can get along, praise and shout to the Lord, only don't invade my space with disagreements, assumptions or admonishments. We don't want to be constructively challenged. This exposes a bruised ego, leading us to shut down from a vital area toward those closest to us. This becomes a result of non accountability.
These are sins Satan loves to tempt in our weaknesses.
Many of us get it, and are probably dealing with it right now. None of us can master this right away it. But by following steps of a self check, knowing who the deceiver is that exploits our weaknesses and Biblical Scriptures that can guide us in humility toward God's worth instead of ourselves, works.
This is part of our human relationships so when we begin to apply these measures it strengthens us and we're able to ward off the areas that can break down our relationships, many unexpectedly.
Philippians 2:3-5, 3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, - NASB
Scriptures are God's Word, He speaks to us because He loves us and wants to guide us.
When we sincerely seek the interest of others through prayer, communicating, listening and serving we learn more about them and know how to pray for their well being. This softens our disagreements or when the wrong word is said.
Seeking the interest of others before we tend to ourselves humbles and blesses us.
Romans 12:3, For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. - NKJV
This is the teaching that can eliminate pride, vanity, judgmental insinuations and selfish condemnation. Saul was an expert of all these, he had a "higher than thou" attitude until he saw the light on the road to Damascus.
Acts 9:3-9, 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. - ESV
By doing a self check daily and the areas in our lives that we may not know, we can ask God to search our hearts.
Our study of the Word helps us recognize the principalities of darkness (our dispositional attitude) that takes away God's glory.
I used to go to the local Christian bookstore and buy cards on forgiveness, all the time! The staff joked about this when I came in the store. lol!
The hard part is going to the other who may be bitter. It's not honest to apologize and seek forgiveness just for the "sake of reconciliation." But I feel it's about stepping up as a Christian by going to the other, no matter who's right or wrong. It can send a healing message to the other when we admit to being part of the situation that led to the break down. For that I can apologize for the hurt or anger our circumstance caused the other.
Now, if the other is unreasonable and carries unforgiveness with them, we cannot take ownership. God sees the hearts of everyone so I find getting out of God's way, loving and letting the other go. Keep praying for them.
The more we apply these measures we realize it's the Lord who empowers us in seeking forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. The stronger we become from this application is from the Lord.
Your thoughts or personal experiences?
God bless you all.
Bob
