Mend Your Fences

 

The dictionary defines the idiom, mend your fences, as to improve or repair a relationship that has been damaged by an argument or disagreement.

As a believer, I believe Jesus is all about reconciliation and wants us to live in harmony with others.

But things happen. A rift in a relationship occurs. You may feel it's the other person's fault. Here is why you should want to repair a relationship:

Relieves a burden of bitterness - Harboring unforgiveness is like drinking poison. It is you that suffers the effects, not the other person. Getting the conflict resolved lightens the load.

Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15 NLT

Because you want to be forgiven - The bible clearly teaches if we want to be forgiven, we must forgive our brother. It says nothing about whether the brother deserves forgiveness.

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

It doesn't get plainer than that!

Brings a reward – Scripture teaches us the principle, blessed are the peacemakers. Instead of stewing in our own juices of resentment, being reconciled brings us the blessing of a heart free from the burdens conflict brings. Definitely a blessing!

And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18 NLT

Mend your fences - peace and righteousness will spread! 

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

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This post was written in response to the Five Minute Friday community's prompt, "mend" The post was written in 5 minutes; looking up scripture and creating the graphic took longer.

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Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

Also, I'm thrilled to tell you the book, "A Family's Legacy: Passing Down Love, Wisdom and Tradition," is now available. One of the chapters in that book was written by me; and I now have an Amazon author's page that has all the details. Click here.

Christmas is over, yet The Advent Collection - hope, peace, joy and love is still available and speaks to the waiting soul. You will find stories that will warm your heart and focus on God's fulfilled promise. This is a book you can revist each advent and glean hope. My contribution is in the peace section of the book.

Sharing at Five Minute Friday