Scripture

Psalm 90:12 NLT

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Consider

We are not wise to think we have all the time in the world to mend a relationship, or to say what needs to be said, or to ask for someone’s forgiveness. Too many times we let a difficult situation drift either because we don’t know what to do about it or because we are unwilling to do what we know needs to be done.

Although we can’t know how much time we really have, we can trust in God’s ongoing plan to redeem and restore hearts and relationships. We can offer ourselves as partners in God’s work and ask God for direction in our personal dilemmas.

If you are hip-deep in a relationship conflict, or in a standoff that seems to have no end in sight, lay the situation before God and ask what he would have you do about it today. Perhaps all he requires is that you examine your own heart and be brave enough to admit what you see there—envy or bitterness or malicious desires. Or perhaps God would have you reach out and try for a reconciliation, offering or requesting forgiveness for harms done.

However God answers your prayer, let God supply you with whatever you need for the task—wisdom, compassion, boldness, patience, humility. Then take action and trust God for the outcome. Be confident that God will honor your obedience and work for your good through your efforts, no matter how the other person may or may not respond.

Pray

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have been reluctant to deal with difficult relationships because I was angry or afraid or confused or proud. Show me when it’s time to reach out to a person who has been adversarial and give me the spiritual gifts I need to say and do the right things. I pray that each act of obedience in these instances will draw me closer to You.

Reflect

Psalm 39:5; Romans 8:28

Ponder

Is there a relationship in my life that God is nudging me to do something about?