I am going to try reconciling with some people who I have not spoken to in years today. My problems with these individuals have been rooted in and affected by a lot of spiritual warfare. Please pray as I am trying to see if this is what God wants me to do in order to be forgiving. I'm trying to be obedient to Him. In some ways, the spiritual warfare is making it hard. Thank you.
Reconciliation
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We hear your heart to be obedient to God and to walk in forgiveness, and we join with you in seeking His will in this matter. Your desire to reconcile after years of separation is a reflection of the work God is doing in you, and we commend your willingness to step out in obedience even when spiritual opposition makes it difficult.
Scripture tells us that forgiveness is at the very heart of our faith, for we have been forgiven much. Ephesians 4:32 says, And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. And Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us, For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness is a choice we make before God, releasing the debt to Him, whether or not the other person ever repents or reconciles.
Reconciliation, however, is different from forgiveness and involves two people. Romans 12:18 gives us wisdom here, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. We are called to do our part, to pursue peace and to make ourselves available for restoration, but we cannot control the response of the other person. God honors your obedience in trying, and the outcome we leave in His hands.
You wisely discern that there is spiritual warfare surrounding this. We agree that this is real, for Ephesians 6:12 tells us, For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. The enemy seeks to keep us in bitterness, isolation, and fear, and will try to magnify past hurts and sow doubt as you step toward obedience. But we do not fight in our own strength, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ as we read in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. We encourage you to put on the full armor of God, to pray, to stay rooted in the Word, and to bring every anxious thought captive to Christ before and during these conversations.
We also notice your request speaks of God and obedience to Him, but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only through Him that we are saved and empowered to forgive as we have been forgiven. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And Acts 4:12 declares, There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. It is by His blood we are forgiven, and it is by His Spirit living in us that we can extend that forgiveness to others, even when it is hard. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, confessing your sins and believing that He died and rose again for you, for then you can boldly approach God in His name.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, and we lift up this dear one to You. We thank You for the tender and obedient heart You have given, a heart that desires to forgive and to pursue peace as You have called us to do. Lord, we ask for clear discernment today. Show whether this reconciliation is Your will in this timing, and guide every word and step. If it is of You, we pray You would soften all hearts involved and prepare them to hear with grace. If there are wounds that need more time, give wisdom to know how to set godly boundaries while still walking in forgiveness.
We rebuke the spiritual forces that would seek to hinder, confuse, or intimidate, and we declare the victory of Jesus Christ over them. Fill this one with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, with courage and humility, and with the words to speak that are seasoned with grace and truth. Help to remember that forgiveness does not always mean immediate restoration of trust, but it does mean releasing bitterness to You. Let Your love be evident in this attempt, and let Your will be done above all. We pray for protection over mind and heart, that no weapon formed against this obedience would prosper, and that Your Holy Spirit would lead in all things. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Mediator and Redeemer, amen.
We encourage you to bathe this day in prayer, to remain in Scripture, and to seek wise counsel from mature believers as you go. Go humbly, without demanding a particular outcome, speaking the truth in love and leaving the results to God. Whether reconciliation happens fully today or is a seed planted for later, your obedience in forgiving is already pleasing to the Father. James 1:5 promises, But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Keep asking Him for wisdom moment by moment, and trust that He who began a good work in you will complete it.
Scripture tells us that forgiveness is at the very heart of our faith, for we have been forgiven much. Ephesians 4:32 says, And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. And Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us, For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Forgiveness is a choice we make before God, releasing the debt to Him, whether or not the other person ever repents or reconciles.
Reconciliation, however, is different from forgiveness and involves two people. Romans 12:18 gives us wisdom here, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. We are called to do our part, to pursue peace and to make ourselves available for restoration, but we cannot control the response of the other person. God honors your obedience in trying, and the outcome we leave in His hands.
You wisely discern that there is spiritual warfare surrounding this. We agree that this is real, for Ephesians 6:12 tells us, For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. The enemy seeks to keep us in bitterness, isolation, and fear, and will try to magnify past hurts and sow doubt as you step toward obedience. But we do not fight in our own strength, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ as we read in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5. We encourage you to put on the full armor of God, to pray, to stay rooted in the Word, and to bring every anxious thought captive to Christ before and during these conversations.
We also notice your request speaks of God and obedience to Him, but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and it is only through Him that we are saved and empowered to forgive as we have been forgiven. Jesus said in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. And Acts 4:12 declares, There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. It is by His blood we are forgiven, and it is by His Spirit living in us that we can extend that forgiveness to others, even when it is hard. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, confessing your sins and believing that He died and rose again for you, for then you can boldly approach God in His name.
We pray together for you now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, and we lift up this dear one to You. We thank You for the tender and obedient heart You have given, a heart that desires to forgive and to pursue peace as You have called us to do. Lord, we ask for clear discernment today. Show whether this reconciliation is Your will in this timing, and guide every word and step. If it is of You, we pray You would soften all hearts involved and prepare them to hear with grace. If there are wounds that need more time, give wisdom to know how to set godly boundaries while still walking in forgiveness.
We rebuke the spiritual forces that would seek to hinder, confuse, or intimidate, and we declare the victory of Jesus Christ over them. Fill this one with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, with courage and humility, and with the words to speak that are seasoned with grace and truth. Help to remember that forgiveness does not always mean immediate restoration of trust, but it does mean releasing bitterness to You. Let Your love be evident in this attempt, and let Your will be done above all. We pray for protection over mind and heart, that no weapon formed against this obedience would prosper, and that Your Holy Spirit would lead in all things. We ask all this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Mediator and Redeemer, amen.
We encourage you to bathe this day in prayer, to remain in Scripture, and to seek wise counsel from mature believers as you go. Go humbly, without demanding a particular outcome, speaking the truth in love and leaving the results to God. Whether reconciliation happens fully today or is a seed planted for later, your obedience in forgiving is already pleasing to the Father. James 1:5 promises, But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Keep asking Him for wisdom moment by moment, and trust that He who began a good work in you will complete it.
We appreciate you letting us know what is on your heart today. Wanting to be obedient and forgiving after years of distance shows a tender conscience toward God, and we hear how heavy the spiritual struggle feels as you consider reaching out.
One thing that has helped others is remembering that forgiveness and reconciliation, while related, are not the same. You can choose before God to release resentment and wish good for someone, even while wisely discerning whether and how a relationship should be restored. That discernment takes time and prayer, and it is good you are asking whether this step is what God wants rather than rushing ahead.
As you weigh this today, it may help to pause and invite a little more clarity. Spend unhurried time in prayer asking God for peace and wisdom about timing and words, and consider sharing your plan with one trusted pastor or mature believer who knows you and can pray with you. If you do reach out, keep it simple and gracious, with no pressure for a particular outcome, and give both yourself and the other person room to respond slowly. Having someone praying nearby that day can be a steady support if opposition feels strong.
Father, we bring our friend before You in Jesus name. You see the desire to obey and to forgive. Grant clear wisdom, protection from the enemy's confusion, and a calm, humble heart. Lead each word and step according to Your will, and bring healing where You know it is needed. Amen.
One thing that has helped others is remembering that forgiveness and reconciliation, while related, are not the same. You can choose before God to release resentment and wish good for someone, even while wisely discerning whether and how a relationship should be restored. That discernment takes time and prayer, and it is good you are asking whether this step is what God wants rather than rushing ahead.
As you weigh this today, it may help to pause and invite a little more clarity. Spend unhurried time in prayer asking God for peace and wisdom about timing and words, and consider sharing your plan with one trusted pastor or mature believer who knows you and can pray with you. If you do reach out, keep it simple and gracious, with no pressure for a particular outcome, and give both yourself and the other person room to respond slowly. Having someone praying nearby that day can be a steady support if opposition feels strong.
Father, we bring our friend before You in Jesus name. You see the desire to obey and to forgive. Grant clear wisdom, protection from the enemy's confusion, and a calm, humble heart. Lead each word and step according to Your will, and bring healing where You know it is needed. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
It is a gracious work of the Spirit that has put into your heart this desire to be obedient and to walk in forgiveness, and it is right that you should bring it before the Lord for His guidance and strength.
You speak truly when you say that spiritual warfare makes this hard, for obedience is the highest practical courage. It was said to Joshua, Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law. To persist in scrupulous obedience through years of estrangement and wounded memory may need more courage than a single brave act, and the enemy will surely contest every step that leads toward peace. Do not wonder, then, that you feel the conflict. The path of obedience is generally a middle path, turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, and to keep that narrow way requires a heart that bows itself reverently before the Most High and says, What would Thou have me to do.
You ask whether this reconciling is what God would have you do in order to be forgiving. Remember that there is forgiveness with Him, and that He not only forgave us at the first all our sins, but continues daily to forgive. That forgiveness is full, complete and eternal, secured through Jesus Christ alone, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. Because we have in Him so great and so surprising a forgiveness, we are called to a joint work of mutual forgiveness, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us. Your part, before God, is to have a heart ready to forgive, whether the other party receives it or not. Reconciliation, which requires two, may not be fully in your power, but forgiveness is the duty laid upon you, and obedience in that matter is deeply spiritual and indicates the truest sincerity.
Therefore seek to know the Lord's will intelligently and exactly, for the exactness of obedience is the essence of obedience. Do not be content to judge duty by feeling, but search His Word, wait upon Him in prayer, and ask for wisdom to see what is truly His command in this case. If it be His will that you should go and speak, then prompt obedience is the best obedience, as soon as they hear of Me, they shall obey Me, without long probation or delay. And know this for your comfort, that obedience is rewarded. As the women ran to bring the disciples word, Jesus met them in the way. So as you go in the way of obedience, you may expect His cheering presence and His assuring peace, and whether the outcome be as you hope or not, you shall be refreshed in having done what pleases your Master.
Let us pray together.
O Lord our God, with whom there is forgiveness that Thou mayest be feared, we bless Thee for the forgiveness Thou hast given us through the blood of Thy dear Son. We thank Thee for putting in this Thy servant a desire to obey and to forgive. Grant now courage and strength, for Thou knowest the spiritual warfare that surrounds this purpose. Give clear discernment of Thy will, that this one may not turn to the right hand nor to the left, but keep close to Thy mind. Prepare the hearts of all concerned, subdue pride and bitterness, and let Thy grace reign. If it be for Thy glory and their good, make a way for true and holy reconciliation, and if not, keep this heart tender, forgiving, and at peace in Christ. Let obedience be wholehearted and complete, and let Thy presence meet and sustain Thy servant in the way. In the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, Amen.
You speak truly when you say that spiritual warfare makes this hard, for obedience is the highest practical courage. It was said to Joshua, Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law. To persist in scrupulous obedience through years of estrangement and wounded memory may need more courage than a single brave act, and the enemy will surely contest every step that leads toward peace. Do not wonder, then, that you feel the conflict. The path of obedience is generally a middle path, turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, and to keep that narrow way requires a heart that bows itself reverently before the Most High and says, What would Thou have me to do.
You ask whether this reconciling is what God would have you do in order to be forgiving. Remember that there is forgiveness with Him, and that He not only forgave us at the first all our sins, but continues daily to forgive. That forgiveness is full, complete and eternal, secured through Jesus Christ alone, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God. Because we have in Him so great and so surprising a forgiveness, we are called to a joint work of mutual forgiveness, forgiving one another even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us. Your part, before God, is to have a heart ready to forgive, whether the other party receives it or not. Reconciliation, which requires two, may not be fully in your power, but forgiveness is the duty laid upon you, and obedience in that matter is deeply spiritual and indicates the truest sincerity.
Therefore seek to know the Lord's will intelligently and exactly, for the exactness of obedience is the essence of obedience. Do not be content to judge duty by feeling, but search His Word, wait upon Him in prayer, and ask for wisdom to see what is truly His command in this case. If it be His will that you should go and speak, then prompt obedience is the best obedience, as soon as they hear of Me, they shall obey Me, without long probation or delay. And know this for your comfort, that obedience is rewarded. As the women ran to bring the disciples word, Jesus met them in the way. So as you go in the way of obedience, you may expect His cheering presence and His assuring peace, and whether the outcome be as you hope or not, you shall be refreshed in having done what pleases your Master.
Let us pray together.
O Lord our God, with whom there is forgiveness that Thou mayest be feared, we bless Thee for the forgiveness Thou hast given us through the blood of Thy dear Son. We thank Thee for putting in this Thy servant a desire to obey and to forgive. Grant now courage and strength, for Thou knowest the spiritual warfare that surrounds this purpose. Give clear discernment of Thy will, that this one may not turn to the right hand nor to the left, but keep close to Thy mind. Prepare the hearts of all concerned, subdue pride and bitterness, and let Thy grace reign. If it be for Thy glory and their good, make a way for true and holy reconciliation, and if not, keep this heart tender, forgiving, and at peace in Christ. Let obedience be wholehearted and complete, and let Thy presence meet and sustain Thy servant in the way. In the name of Jesus Christ our only Saviour, Amen.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying in Jesus Name.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Your desire to pursue reconciliation and to walk in forgiveness and obedience to God is good and pleasing to Him, and I thank you for sharing this burden so that we can pray with you.
What you describe as spiritual warfare is real. Scripture speaks of our life as a warfare, and there is a good warfare which is fought under Christ our King. It requires strong arms, sobriety and continual vigilance, and above all a Commander who stands by us and does not leave us to fight alone. You are right to sense that this struggle is not only against flesh and blood, and that is why we must take up the armor God provides and remain watchful in prayer, not relaxed or careless, as you step toward those you have not spoken to in years.
Reconciliation itself is God’s own work. We were enemies and had no one to offer sacrifice for us, but Christ Himself became our High Priest and made reconciliation for the sins of the people, purging our sins by Himself. He has now put into us the word of reconciliation, so that as He was sent, we also are sent to carry that message into the world. When you seek to forgive as you have been forgiven, you are walking in that calling. Forgiveness is a great gift we have first received, and we are trained by it to have a gentle and human soul. Even learning obedience, as Christ learned obedience through what He suffered, comes often through the hard and painful things we choose to endure for His sake.
I pray for you today that God will give you wisdom to know if this is the right time and the right way to approach these individuals, and courage to obey what He shows you. I pray He will guard your heart from judging others while you examine your own ways, and clothe you with lowliness, reverence and heavenly wisdom. May He quiet the attacks that make this hard, strengthen you to war a good warfare with Christ as your Commander, and fill you with His peace as you offer and seek forgiveness. May He be glorified in your obedience, whether through restored relationship or through a faithful and loving release of these matters into His hands, and may He keep you in His grace through Jesus Christ alone, who is our reconciliation and our hope.
What you describe as spiritual warfare is real. Scripture speaks of our life as a warfare, and there is a good warfare which is fought under Christ our King. It requires strong arms, sobriety and continual vigilance, and above all a Commander who stands by us and does not leave us to fight alone. You are right to sense that this struggle is not only against flesh and blood, and that is why we must take up the armor God provides and remain watchful in prayer, not relaxed or careless, as you step toward those you have not spoken to in years.
Reconciliation itself is God’s own work. We were enemies and had no one to offer sacrifice for us, but Christ Himself became our High Priest and made reconciliation for the sins of the people, purging our sins by Himself. He has now put into us the word of reconciliation, so that as He was sent, we also are sent to carry that message into the world. When you seek to forgive as you have been forgiven, you are walking in that calling. Forgiveness is a great gift we have first received, and we are trained by it to have a gentle and human soul. Even learning obedience, as Christ learned obedience through what He suffered, comes often through the hard and painful things we choose to endure for His sake.
I pray for you today that God will give you wisdom to know if this is the right time and the right way to approach these individuals, and courage to obey what He shows you. I pray He will guard your heart from judging others while you examine your own ways, and clothe you with lowliness, reverence and heavenly wisdom. May He quiet the attacks that make this hard, strengthen you to war a good warfare with Christ as your Commander, and fill you with His peace as you offer and seek forgiveness. May He be glorified in your obedience, whether through restored relationship or through a faithful and loving release of these matters into His hands, and may He keep you in His grace through Jesus Christ alone, who is our reconciliation and our hope.
Silas
Beloved of All
Your desire to be obedient to God and to walk in forgiveness is right and pleasing to Him, and it is understandable that you are feeling opposition as you step toward reconciliation.
God calls us to complete obedience, not partial obedience. When we leave part of the old life or the flesh undisturbed and make provision for it, that unfinished obedience can later undermine our walk. Scripture tells us to make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its desires, but to walk according to the Spirit. The Spirit and the flesh are in conflict with one another, and choosing to follow the Spirit is a daily decision to put aside what the flesh wants.
It is also important to remember that what you are sensing is real. Our struggle is not ultimately against people, against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers, against principalities and powers and the spiritual forces at work in this world. There is a constant spiritual battle going on around us, and often we feel the pressure of it without fully seeing it. The enemy works to keep division, bitterness, and misunderstanding in place, and when you move toward forgiveness and reconciliation you will feel that resistance.
For that kind of battle, we need spiritual weapons, because physical or human methods are not enough. God has given us weapons that are mighty through Him to pull down strongholds, to cast down thoughts and arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Those weapons are His Word, faith, and prayer. Go into this step saturated in the Word, holding fast in faith to what Christ has done, and bathed in prayer, asking God to guard your heart and mind and to expose any lie or accusation of the enemy.
The pattern for our forgiveness is God's own forgiveness toward us. We are called to follow God as His children and to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ. Through Jesus alone we have forgiveness of sins and power to be separated from our sins. When we have truly received that forgiveness, we are freed and enabled to extend it to others. Pray honestly, Father forgive us, and help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Forgiveness is first an act of obedience between you and God, releasing the other person to Him, whether or not they respond as you hope.
You will also find that when your relationship with God is right and centered on Him, your relationships with people begin to come into clearer order. Many of our broken human relationships can be traced back to disorder in our walk with God. Put Him first, love Him above all, seek His will in His Word, and let Him correct and guide the other relationships from that foundation. Ask Him for wisdom to know what reconciliation should look like in each case. Forgiveness is always required of us, but reconciliation involves two people and may take time and boundaries. Seek His counsel on what is wise, humble, and truthful in each conversation.
I am praying for you, that God will give you clarity to know His will, courage to obey Him fully, and peace as you trust Him with the outcome. May He fill you with His Spirit, guard you from the schemes of the enemy, and let you experience the freedom that comes from forgiving as Christ has forgiven you. May His Word guide every word you speak, and may He be glorified in your obedience.
God calls us to complete obedience, not partial obedience. When we leave part of the old life or the flesh undisturbed and make provision for it, that unfinished obedience can later undermine our walk. Scripture tells us to make no provision for the flesh to fulfill its desires, but to walk according to the Spirit. The Spirit and the flesh are in conflict with one another, and choosing to follow the Spirit is a daily decision to put aside what the flesh wants.
It is also important to remember that what you are sensing is real. Our struggle is not ultimately against people, against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers, against principalities and powers and the spiritual forces at work in this world. There is a constant spiritual battle going on around us, and often we feel the pressure of it without fully seeing it. The enemy works to keep division, bitterness, and misunderstanding in place, and when you move toward forgiveness and reconciliation you will feel that resistance.
For that kind of battle, we need spiritual weapons, because physical or human methods are not enough. God has given us weapons that are mighty through Him to pull down strongholds, to cast down thoughts and arguments that exalt themselves against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Those weapons are His Word, faith, and prayer. Go into this step saturated in the Word, holding fast in faith to what Christ has done, and bathed in prayer, asking God to guard your heart and mind and to expose any lie or accusation of the enemy.
The pattern for our forgiveness is God's own forgiveness toward us. We are called to follow God as His children and to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ. Through Jesus alone we have forgiveness of sins and power to be separated from our sins. When we have truly received that forgiveness, we are freed and enabled to extend it to others. Pray honestly, Father forgive us, and help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Forgiveness is first an act of obedience between you and God, releasing the other person to Him, whether or not they respond as you hope.
You will also find that when your relationship with God is right and centered on Him, your relationships with people begin to come into clearer order. Many of our broken human relationships can be traced back to disorder in our walk with God. Put Him first, love Him above all, seek His will in His Word, and let Him correct and guide the other relationships from that foundation. Ask Him for wisdom to know what reconciliation should look like in each case. Forgiveness is always required of us, but reconciliation involves two people and may take time and boundaries. Seek His counsel on what is wise, humble, and truthful in each conversation.
I am praying for you, that God will give you clarity to know His will, courage to obey Him fully, and peace as you trust Him with the outcome. May He fill you with His Spirit, guard you from the schemes of the enemy, and let you experience the freedom that comes from forgiving as Christ has forgiven you. May His Word guide every word you speak, and may He be glorified in your obedience.
Similar Requests
Please pray that if an event occurring this weekend is an opportunity for me to reconcile with some individuals involved, God would make it very clear. And in the next five minutes after I sent it, MULTIPLE things randomly went wrong in my environment. To give context, there is a lot of...
Please pray that if an event occurring this weekend is an opportunity for me to reconcile with some individuals involved, God would make it very clear. Thank you.
There are some old relationships in my life that I think God may want to mend. Please pray that if He does, He would bring about that restoration and make it very clear that He wants it to come about. This may be prideful but please also pray that He would mercifully bring reconciliation in a...
