| Euodia and Syntyche were two women who worked hand in hand with Paul in building the church. Yet sadly, the only mention of them in Scripture is that they couldn't get along with one another. That's not good, because God's blessing is predicated upon our willingness to forgive, and to love one another. Jesus said: '"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses"' (Mark 11:24-25 NKJV). You can't pray effectively when you have 'anything against anyone.' Even if the other person is wrong, let God use you as a paramedic of His mercy. Tell them you want to see the relationship healed, apologise and be reconciled. It may take more than a U-turn to make up the distance between you, but each step you take will make the road shorter, and if you stay on course you'll get to where you ought to be on time. Don't argue over 'who did what to whom.' Be bigger than that! Show grace! You've been asking God to restore things; well, this is part of it. Yes, your ego will rebel. And if you let it, fear of rejection will stop you dead in your tracks. But do it anyway and see what happens. Remember, when you forgive someone, you position yourself beyond condemnation; at that point God can bless you. Can you afford to live without His blessing? |
