One of the greatest gifts the Lord gives us in this life is the opportunity to reconcile relationships...putting self aside, humbling that ego, and reaching out. If we do that, the Lord does the healing.
Yesterday, someone shared a huge burden with me. There was a misunderstanding, and he has tried to make it right. His efforts have been unsuccessful. He is hurt; the other party is hurt, and worse, it is effecting spiritual lives. My advice was to do two things: fervent prayer and try one more thing..."humble yourself and ask for forgiveness." It doesn't matter whose right or wrong. It matters that it is effecting spiritual lives!
What keeps us from telling people we love them? What keeps us from forgiving and asking for forgiveness? What keeps us from telling someone that we appreciate what they do for Christ? PRIDE!
The happiest people I know are the folks who take every opportunity to encourage and uplift those they meet. The most peaceful people I know are the first to forgive and the first to ask for forgiveness. The most blessed people I know are those who put pride aside, just let the love of Christ shine through them.
Truly, they are the grace of God to a hurting world.
A kind word is Neosporin for the heart.