"20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver implements, but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work."
When we became born again we were no longer of the world.
Ephesians 2:19. Ephesians 2:19
"19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household,"
There are those who will say we are the problem in a relationship breakdown. If we are walking with Christ and have prayed to be shown and found to be innocent then we can dismiss it as a ploy of the devil to accuse the brethren. However, if we are found to be guilty of wrongdoing we can confess it to be cleansed and move ahead in Spiritual growth.
There are some who never self-reflect but live in the blame game to deflect any responsibility in a broken relationship. There is nothing we can do about that, we must love them from afar and pray for them. Some relationships on this earth will never be reconciled, but we can be the peacemaker through addressing the problem and then walking away when we see there cannot be a discussion without rage emerging from the one who loves their sin.
We will not be able to reconcile many relationships because the problem of self-love has permeated every aspect of our culture. One can live in fear of offending over the smallest matters when a culture demands that we only speak words they like to hear.
Isaiah 30:9-11 "…9 These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. 10 They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. 11 Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!”…"
Romans 16:18
"For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive."
2 Timothy 4:3
"For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires."
2 Timothy 4:4
"So they will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
Since we cannot change an entire culture or even one other person we are not responsible to do so, we must focus on our own walk, making sure we are not disobeying God in our relationships. Some people who love Christ will be able to reconcile and are deeply empathetic toward one another but others are stubborn and prideful. We must let the prideful ones walk away as we embrace those who want a deeper walk with Christ.
Proverbs 22:23-25 "…23 for the LORD will take up their case and will plunder those who rob them. 24 Do not make friends with an angry man, and do not associate with a hot-tempered man, 25or you may learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.…"
We are all capable of becoming like those who attack us, we must not allow ourselves to be influenced by their bad manners. The best way to combat the possibility of becoming like others is to choose our friends careful. Those in our inner circle must be those who love Christ and do not do mean and petty things.
Everyone can fall, but we are less likely to fall if we have lovely friends who care enough about us to keep us accountable and if we receive their correction. Every correction is an asset to us if we desire cleansing and growth.
1 John 1:9-10 "9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us."
There will be times when the devil brings someone along to accuse us of things they are doing but we are not, we must evaluate ourselves making sure that we are being obedient to Christ and ignore those who love their anger.
Isaiah 5:20
"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness to light and light to darkness, who replace bitter with sweet and sweet with bitter."
Psalm 32:5
"Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD," and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah"
Every born-again believer can grow and move forward in holiness if they speak the truth, refrain from becoming like the world and admit a wrong quickly, only then can we be cleansed to progress.
We are to be peaceful even if no one else around us practices love. If others treat us contemptuously we can return it with love, showing them the respect they refused to show us.
Hallelujah!!!!
Hebrews 12:14
"Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."
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