Praying For Relationships

Praying for Relationships

He gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

GOD IS A RECONCILER. He embodies perfect union in the fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (John 10:30; 17:11). He calls us to unity within that fellowship, with each other and with him (John 17:20-23). Though Jesus is a point of division even within families (Matthew 10:34-36), God’s heart is for reconciliation (Malachi 4:6; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). He defines himself as love (1 John 4:8, 16) and calls us to love each other with the same kind of love he has given us (1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4:7-21). He is all about restored relationships.

That means when we pray for restored relationships, we never need to question whether we’re praying in God’s will. Yes, some relationships are only for a season, and some are best left in the past. But that doesn’t mean they should be left with lingering bitterness and resentment, especially in our own hearts. We can pray for restoration in our attitudes, forgive others from the heart (Matthew 18:35), and cultivate love among those around us. We can pray for restored families, friendships, and fellowships not only for ourselves but for everyone we know. We can be ministers of reconciliation on our knees and in our words and actions. We have been given this mission, and it flows directly into us from the heart of the Father.

Our ministry of reconciliation begins with restoration of relationships with God. That’s the context for Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5. But reconciliation with God always has implications for relationships among human beings. That’s why Jesus preached forgiveness so emphatically; as God has forgiven us, we are to forgive others (Luke 6:37-38; Ephesians 4:32). We are called to a ministry of magnanimous hearts, open arms, and welcoming gestures.

When you see discord among family and friends or in the workplace, community, or church, set your heart and mind on prayer. Base your prayers on the nature, character, and promises of the God who gave his Son to reconcile the world to himself and human beings to each other. Know that you are expressing his heart and ministering to others. You are praying his nature into your world.

There is no brotherhood of man without the fatherhood of God.