Day 4: If your word is "Restoring" My word for 2025

Scripture Insight: Colossians 3:12-14

This passage from Colossians is a compelling directive from Paul to the church, emphasizing virtues that are foundational to Christian community and personal relationships. The apostle highlights attributes like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience as essential garments that should adorn believers. These are not just passive qualities but active choices that manifest in how we treat others, particularly in contexts where there might be disagreements or hurt. The command to forgive, using Christ's forgiveness as the ultimate model, underscores the depth of grace that should characterize interactions among believers.

Reflecting on Relationship Healing

The call to clothe oneself with virtues like compassion and humility is crucial when considering the restoration of broken relationships. Often, conflicts that require healing are rooted in misunderstandings, deep-seated hurt, or even a clash of egos. Reflecting on this scripture pushes one to consider personal accountability in conflicts—how might your own actions or lack of these virtues have contributed to relational strain? This reflection is the first step toward healing; acknowledging your role and choosing to embody the virtues Paul describes.

Steps Towards Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a process that begins with introspection but must move towards tangible action. Here are a few steps informed by the scripture:

1. Initiate Communication: Reach out to the person with whom you have the conflict. Set a tone of humility and openness, avoiding blame.

2. Express Understanding and Empathy: Show that you understand the hurt you may have caused or explain your feelings without justifying wrong actions. Use compassionate and gentle language.

3. Seek Forgiveness and Offer It Freely: Clearly ask for forgiveness for the ways you have hurt the other person, and be ready to forgive them for their mistakes as well.

4. Commit to Change: Demonstrate through actions that you are committed to employing the virtues Paul mentions in your ongoing interactions.

Prayer Focus

Prayer in the context of restoring relationships should focus on asking God for the ability to embody the virtues needed to heal and restore. It is about seeking a heart that mirrors the compassion and forgiveness of Christ. Pray specifically for:

• Empathy: To truly understand and feel the pain and perspective of the other person.

• Humility: To accept your own faults and the role they play in the conflict.

• Courage: To take the necessary steps towards reconciliation, which can often be uncomfortable or emotionally challenging.

• Forgiveness: Both to extend it to others and to receive it, breaking down the barriers of pride and hurt.

Applying the Message

Applying this message requires ongoing commitment. It might mean setting up regular conversations to rebuild trust, participating in counseling (individual or together), or simply incorporating daily acts of kindness and affirmation into your relationship. Keep track of your progress and setbacks, perhaps in a journal, and continue to reflect on Colossians 3:12-14 as a standard to aspire to in all your relationships.

By grounding your actions in prayer and the Word, and actively choosing to wear the virtues Paul describes, you can make significant strides toward healing and restoring relationships that are strained or broken.