When it comes to healing relationships, our God is a God of restoration who can heal even the most broken relationships. Let’s take a closer look at the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified love and selflessness in His interactions with others so that we can begin 2024 with a renewed focus on healing the relationships that matter the most with one another.

Love and Submission in Marriage

In Ephesians 5:22-33, Paul emphasizes the sacred bond between husbands and wives. Wives are instructed to honor and submit to their husbands, just as they submit to the Lord. Husbands, on the other hand, are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church. These are not mere suggestions, but divine commands that form the foundation for a thriving marriage. Submission is not an act of weakness, but a beautiful expression of trust and respect. Love, as seen in Christ’s sacrificial nature on the cross, is unconditional. Let us strive to love and submit as Christ did and witness the power of healing relationships as our marriages flourish.

Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Families

Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21-22. He urges us to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times. This means that we must be willing to forgive even the most hurtful offenses. Our families consist of imperfect individuals, which inevitably leads to conflicts. However, we mustn’t hold grudges or nurture bitterness in our hearts. Instead, let us seek forgiveness and reconciliation, just as Christ reconciled us to God through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.

Authenticity and Vulnerability in Relationships

In John 15:15, Jesus affectionately refers to us as His friends, not just His servants. This reveals the depth of trust and intimacy He desires in our relationships. This is the standard He sets for our connections with others as well. Authenticity is key – we must be willing to be our true selves, sharing our struggles and triumphs with those around us. Although vulnerability can be intimidating, it is essential for creating deep and meaningful relationships. Let us follow Jesus’ example and embrace authenticity, offering encouragement and support through life’s highs and lows. Only then can we experience God’s power in healing relationships.

Let’s commit ourselves to building (and rebuilding) healthy marriages, families, and relationships in the coming year. May we love and submit to our spouses, forgive and reconcile with our families, and foster authentic and vulnerable connections with one another. Let the love and grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, guide and sustain us on this incredible journey.

Amen.

For a deeper look at Biblical Forgiveness, see my post here. Also consider this wonderful book by Lysa TerKeurst entitled, “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again”