The Goal of Repairing Relationships: No Regrets

How to repair broken relationships?

How do we avoid the temptation to get back at someone who has hurt us?

How often do we blame others for the breakdown of our relationship?

I was listening to Andy Stanley’s podcast entitled, How to Start Repairing Broken Relationships? The goal is: No Regrets. In his words, do everything within your power to reconcile so that, no matter the outcome, you won’t look back in regret.

What was counterintuitive was that the goal of repairing our relationships is not reconciliation - The reason is that this creates an agenda for us. This revelation was an eye opener for me.

Take Responsibility for Our Part

This is the hard part - taking responsibility for our part in our relationships with our spouse, family or friends. We tend to feel offended or wronged, and seek to avenge for the hurt, pain, and betrayal we suffered. More often than not, we do not see how we can be responsible for the pain inflicted upon us.

”Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?.” (Matthew 7:3)

Making the First Move

When we humble ourselves, God will reveal to us the truth about ourselves and our part in the breakdown of the relationship. It is usually our pride that convinces us we are the innocent victim. It takes courage to make the first move, regardless of who is in the wrong.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23)

Trust God in the Path of Healing?

One of the fear of making the first move is that we might not get the outcome we expect. That’s the part where Andy mentioned that we not should approach it with the agenda of reconciliation. Our part is do whatever we can so that we don’t regret when it’s too late. Then leave the outcome to God.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not in your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)?

This is my invitation to you today: humble yourself before God to seek His wisdom in repairing your broken relationships and trust in God.