A broken relationship is one of the most painful experiences in life. Alternatively, repairing a broken relationship is one of the most rewarding and joyous things in life. It is devastating to our hearts to have broken relationships with friends and/or family but even more if we have a broken relationship with God. Often times we don't realize that distance from God is the source of our depression and anxiety. Often we do not realize that what we really long for is a relationship with our Creator. So the question is "How do we repair relationship?"
Repentance is the key to repairing broken relationships. Whether the relationship is with people or with God, when there is distance or brokenness the solution is to come and humbly apologize with the intention of not making the same mistake again. To maintain good, strong, healthy long-term relationships we need to prevent the hurt from growing into a mound so big that we can no longer connect. The way we keep the garbage cleared out is to apologize well. A good apology is not empty words to toss in someone's direction to now obligate them to let it go. A well done apology is humble, sincere, and is a commitment to change. It helps the other person be in a better frame of mind to offer much needed forgiveness. Repentance and forgiveness are the ingredients for close relationship. You cannot have a repaired relationship without these two working in harmony. Repentance always has to take the lead and come first and then forgiveness needs to follow in order to have reconciliation. (Forgiveness is a topic for another blog post.)
God is not shocked or surprised at any of our sin. He knew it was going to happen and made provision for it. That is why he sent his son, Jesus. Jesus paid for our sin with his very life. God does not require that we live perfectly. However, our sin creates distance from God. So what is the solution? We come to God and apologize with a commitment for change. God wants us to acknowledge what we did wrong and tell him we are sorry (Jeremiah 3:12b-13a). He then is faithful and just and not only forgives us but he also washes us clean (1 John 1:9). Repentance repairs relationship with God. God is our role model for how to repair our earthly relationships. Reconciliation does not happen with God without repentance; and in the same manner reconciliation does not happen with people without repentance.
Apology is a beautiful thing. It washes our hearts and it repairs our relationships. True genuine repentance is not condemning self. The need to apologize is merely a part of our human existence. It is something that we all will need to do in life (Romans 3:23). It is those who are willing to apologize well and as a lifestyle who will have the most satisfying relationships--with people and with God.
It really is amazing how something so simple can have such a significant impact. Repentance is simply apologizing with a commitment to change. We can't live perfectly but we can live repentantly. When we apologize we repair relationship. I encourage you to try it and see what happens.
I invite you to pray with me.
God I repent on behalf of myself, my family line, and my nation for all the ways that we have not served you and where we have served your enemy instead. I'm sorry for all doubt/unbelief, rebellion/witchcraft, addiction/drunkenness, sexual immorality/lust, pride, anger/rage/hate, gossip/slander, strife/division, abuse, theft/greed, lying/deceit, jealousy, and being critical/judgmental. I'm sorry for all I've done to break relationship with you and with others. I'm sorry for . Jesus, thank you for forgiving me and washing me clean. I receive the work you did for me on the cross. Please help me to live according to your ways. Please bring me into close relationship with you. Please help me to repair my relationships. Thank you! Amen.
RESOURCES:
When Sorry Isn't Enough: Making Things Right With Those You Love
by Gary Chapman & Jennifer Thomas
Scriptures on Repentance:
2 Chronicles 6:36-39
Isaiah 30:15
Jeremiah 5:3
Ezekiel 18:32
Luke 15:7
Acts 3:19
2 Timothy 2:25
2 Peter 3:9
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