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Who should take the initiative to repair a relationship when a person is wronged? The one who did the wrong? Or the one who was wronged? The answer is yes.
I have had people share with me how they have been hurt by someone they love. They want the other to come and repair what they did. They want the other to confess, to apologize, and to ask forgiveness. Sometimes the other doesn’t come. The relationship remains broken.
There are relationships all around in need of repair. You may be at odds with someone you love. Often the other person feels as hurt by you, as you feel hurt by them. Certainly, if you wronged someone you should seek to make it right. But what about those times when the other wronged you?
We just celebrated Easter. One of the great things Jesus did between the resurrection and ascension was to repair relationships. When Jesus was arrested prior to the crucifixion His disciples abandoned Him. When the chips were down, Jesus’ closest friends ran away. Following the resurrection Jesus appeared to the disciples and said to them, “Peace be with you.” He blessed those who deserted Him.
One of the 12, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus appeared. In spite of the miracles he had seen Jesus perform, Thomas did not believe the resurrection. He doubted the others had really seen Jesus. A week later Jesus appeared to the disciples again and Thomas was with them. Jesus said to Thomas, “Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas believed and worshiped. Their relationship was restored.
Another disciple, Peter had said that he was ready to die for Jesus. Yet three times during the trials he denied even knowing Jesus. When Peter realized his failure, he felt shame. The relationship he treasured most was broken, and it was his fault. Yet Jesus did not give up on Peter. After the resurrection three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Three times Peter expressed his love for Jesus. Each of the three times Jesus invited Peter to care for His sheep. Jesus repaired the relationship. He showed Peter how much He cared for him. Jesus still wanted Peter on His team.
What I notice is that in each case, although He was the one wronged, Jesus took the initiative to repair the relationship. Jesus was abandoned, Jesus was doubted, and Jesus was denied. Yet in each case Jesus took the initiative to restore. The good news for you and me is that Jesus acts the same towards us. He takes the initiative to repair the damage we caused. Jesus extends grace.
Jesus is reaching out to you. Your relationship with God can be repaired if you trust Him and receive His grace. Jesus said to Thomas, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” May we believe in Jesus and receive His blessing.
We are going to be learning about relationships in the coming weeks. I don’t know all the lessons God has for us, but I believe that as we follow Jesus, doing the things He did, He will guide us and our relationships will be better for it.
Pastor Lorne
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