Just Relationships

Scripture

Proverbs 28:5 NIV

Evildoers do not understand what is right, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.

Consider

From this simple proverb, we may infer three truths about relationships.

  1. Justice (“what is right”) is a relationship issue. When we are unjust, our selfish choices cause harm and suffering in others.
  2. We choose whether to approach our relationships as people with selfish intent (evildoers) or surrendered to God’s purpose (those who seek the LORD).
  3. Those who seek God understand fully what evildoers cannot understand. To “fully understand” justice means not only to grasp a situation intellectually but also to care about its consequences. Evildoers may not see how their actions hurt others, or if they do see, they lack the compassion to care. Those who seek God, on the other hand, have the mind of Christ. They cannot see injustice without seeing also the suffering involved and be moved to make things right.

The evildoers in this proverb are spiritually blind. Without excusing hurtful behavior, the proverb helps us to understand how people can and do willfully hurt each other, even among friends and family members, with abuse and violence, treachery and abandonment. Selfish intent overrides moral integrity, justifies the unconscionable, and promotes evil in our closest circles.

Even God-followers can fall into the trap of doing the work of evil in our relationships. When I am not seeking God’s ways, I am apt to make choices selfishly, limited by my own needs and desires. I can be tempted to rationalize my actions and blind myself to the suffering I cause.

God calls us to a better way, the way of Jesus, who showed us how to love sacrificially, to recognize when others are suffering from injustice of any kind, and to feel moved to make things right, starting with ourselves.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I have been the victim of cruelty I could not explain. I have suffered at the hands of people who would not acknowledge the pain they caused me. Help me to look past their evil actions and see hearts that are blind and in desperate need of your light and truth. Give me the compassion I need to forgive these people. Forgive me also, Lord, for the evil work I’ve done in my relationships. Give me wisdom and courage to set things right wherever I can.

Reflect

Matthew 9:36-37; Colossians 3:12-14

Ponder

What does it mean to forgive a person for an unforgivable act?

When God Seems Gone

Scripture

2 Samuel 24:13-14, 25 NLT

So Gad came to David and asked him, “Will you choose three years of famine throughout your land, three months of fleeing from your enemies, or three days of severe plague throughout your land? Think this over and decide what answer I should give the LORD who sent me.” “I’m in a desperate situation!” David replied to Gad. “But let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great. Do not let me fall into human hands.”

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Walking Above the Turmoil

Scripture

Matthew 14:28-32 NLT

Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

Consider

Conflict in a relationship can sometimes consume us.

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Pray for America

Scripture

Daniel 9:18-19 NLT

“O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. “O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”

Consider

This passage is part of a prayer that the Old Testament prophet Daniel prayed on behalf of the ruined city of Jerusalem.

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Whom Shall I Fear?

Scripture

Psalm 27:1,3 ESV

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?…Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

Consider

Fear occupies the space in our hearts that God designed for peace. Peace and fear are as incompatible as light and darkness; when we are filled with one, the other disappears.

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