“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother,” Matthew 18:15 ESV. Friendships are precious; all of us need genuine relationships with others. They are life-giving and life-challenging at once. But even the best relationships can be damaged or destroyed by things large and small. Feelings can be hurt by little things and eventually pile up and become a mountain in our minds. Broken relationships are painful and, often, completely unnecessary. But be prepared; attempts to confront problems often only make things worse. Following biblical steps of honesty, kindness, confrontation, and restoration are critical components of success in relationship building. LORD, grant me sufficient wisdom and grace to build and maintain deep and lasting relationships.
A serious pursuit of godliness requires an equally serious renunciation of worldliness. Too often, we measure spirituality with false scales. While being wisely selective with our public vices we are less so with our private attitudes and perspectives. In reality, it is the thoughts and intents of the heart where the greatest battles must be waged; our actions will ultimately align with the condition of our hearts. Lord God, You know me inside out, You are not fooled by human facades. Plow my heart with Your Word and Spirit and leave nothing unturned. Refresh my inward man that I may outwardly glorify You in all places at all times.
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