The Destoyer of Relationships

It's inevitable. Life's going along pretty good and then someone or some people say or do something to rain on your happy day. Maybe they don't like something you do. Maybe it was something you said. You find out directly or indirectly that there is a conflict and you didn't see this coming! Naturally, feelings are hurt. Anger can set in. Maybe you want to get even somehow and hurt back. Sometimes people lash out by avoiding the person...not speaking to them. That will teach them! Step out of yourself for a moment and look at the situation from the outside in. What if YOU were the one that wasn't happy with someone and took action against the person. What if that person came to you and instead of lashing back, or ignoring you, they said, "Wow..I'm sorry. I didn't realize I had offended you. Please accept my apology." Would that not make you either sorry you had an issue over nothing, or..if it was something, be more than happy to forgive that person? Satan is in the business of destroying relationships. Especially relationships that glorify God. A marriage, a parent-child relationship, friends, neighbors, co-workers/students, etc. If the relationship is destroyed, it can no longer glorify God. When I'm tempted to let my feelings get in the way of cutting off a relationship (whether the other party is right or wrong), I think about how this is pleasing Satan and not God. I think about the purposes of life and of relationships...how I may be edifying to that person or that person is edifying to me. Do I really want to cut off my relationship with that person and let Satan be victorious? In light of eternity, what is it that really matters here? These thoughts often trivialize the whole issue when I look at the big picture. I remind myself I'm not giving Satan the victory. Unless my friend or relative chooses to cut me off, I'm in. And if I am out, then I will continue to pray for that person and treat them with respect no matter how they are treating me (and believe me...I must remind myself of this. And..it doesn't come easy). I pray I will always be this way because this is what pleases God. And this is what I get in return...peace with others, peace with God, and long, fruitful relationships. Don't let that LION devour you and your loved ones! "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him....!" I Peter 5:6-9a