Wednesday Recap, Initiating Restoration

Hey Everyone. We had a great group at theshift last night! Around 12 or so, and went to Sonic after. Sonic is our new summer spot for hanging out afterwards btw. We are in the third week of Getting Past Your Past, and this week was incredible! Discussion about apologizing to those who we've hurt, and how to initiate restoration in those relationships was the topic.

How do you respond to those who hurt you? Some shut people down, some turn away, others ignore, others confront. There are so many ways to react. I used to pride myself on being non-confrontational. Turns out that isn't the best way to go about dealing with hurt. We made the distinction between being a peacekeeper and a peacemaker.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matthew 5:9

Peacekeepers avoid what needs to be said or done. Many times this will lead to further hurt and distance.

"So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." Matthew 5:23-24

God here is calling us to be peacemakers. He tells us to go and be reconciled. Note the priorities here. When else has God ever said, stop worship and go do something? Reconciliation with your brothers and sisters takes priority even over worship!

What else did we figure out about apologizing to those who we've hurt? Its so easy to be the victim, but how hard is it to admit and own up to being the offender? Here is where pride comes into play.

"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2

One of God's biggest desires is for us to be peacemakers. We need to be at peace with each other, and it's hard to do that when you let pride get in the way. We have to learn to love the relationship or person, more than we love being right.

This week, focus on confessing the things you've done to hurt others. Ask Him to help you apologize with integrity. We have to really mean it. I think another key thing will be actually asking for forgiveness. When you say "Will you forgive me?" that is humbleness at its best. Commit to God that you will be a peacemaker and not a peacekeeper.

Sam