Strawberry Mess

Read or listen to today's devotion: http://odb.org
Read today's scripture: Philippians 4:1-5

We have all, at one time or another, 'messed up' in a relationship. We said something out or anger or jealousy. We've been 'out of tune' with those closest to us. Sometimes we've been the innocent party: on the receiving end of another person's gossip or spite. Either way, friendships are soured.

As Christian's we have a duty to try to heal those broken relationships. As part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:23-24 says, "So then, if you bring your gift to 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 and then come and present your gift" (Note that the passages says 'if your brother (or sister) has something against you ... not 'if you have something against a brother.' Sometimes we must take the initiative in repairing a damaged relationship. We shouldn't wait for the other person to ask for our forgiveness but instead, when the other person has injured us, we make the first move toward reconciliation.)

Today's scripture tells us that we are to "Be of the same mind in the Lord." That mind includes both rejoicing and having a gentle spirit. When we understand through experience what it means to live in disharmony with another, we are better equipped to help someone else who is going through a similar situation. We can rejoice that we experienced that painful time because we then know how to advise another how to have a gentle spirit. God can use even our worst mistake and our greatest pain to bring His love and comfort to someone else.