Daily Devotional
Dealing with Broken Relationships

Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.

Matthew 18:15 and Galatians 6:1


Ponder This

Broken relationships in the church are a very painful problem that disgraces God and discourages a community of believers. There is nothing worse than a church without harmony and there is nothing better than a church with harmony. In Matthew 18, Jesus explained how to heal broken relationships.

First, we must consider our relationship with the person who has sinned against us.

If he is a brother in Christ, we are members of the same body; harming him harms us. If he is lost, he needs our pity and prayers all the more; regardless, he is to be loved no matter what.

Next, we must remember our responsibility to make it right between us (Galatians 6:1). We have to ask ourselves: Are we sinning in a similar way? Have we been praying for that person and setting a good example?

Practice This

Pray about ways you might seek to reconcile with others in the church this week. Write down the specific steps you need to take toward healing a broken relationship.

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FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY

Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster

WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS

I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.

Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”