#245: God's Power to Restore Broken Relationships

The 5 Minute Discipleship Podcast

The couple sat in our living room. Tears flowed as they shared their story. The pain was real. Their story included infidelity, lies, coverup, brokenness, separation, and the very real possibility of divorce.

My wife Linda and I cried with them, prayed with them, shared scripture and hope that God could restore their brokenness.

The journey was not a short one, but we saw God do something that only he could do. Piece by piece God put their marriage back together. Today the couple is happier and healthier than ever before. Their story has become a testimony to the power of God to restore broken relationships.

It reminds me of something Jesus said in Matthew 19:26 - “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

I want to speak to those of you who have broken relationships in your life. Maybe the brokenness is in your marriage, or with your children, or with a friend, or even with a co-worker. Regardless, I want to encourage you to believe that with God, no relationship is too broken.

We know that a relationship can break down from neglect. It can break down from conflict. A relationship can break down from misunderstanding. The world is literally filled with broken relationships. We see it all around us. It’s likely you have a broken relationship in your life too.

You might be asking the question: Why? The answer is because we live in a fallen world. We make mistakes. We sin. Other people sin. We all make mistakes. We hurt each other intentionally, and sometimes, unintentionally. Relationships do break down. Some of you are feeling the pain of them right now. Even as we begin to talk about this subject, you thought about that person in your mind. There is a strain between you and that person. Maybe there is a total breakdown. For one reason or another, there was a breakdown in the relationship.

It’s true there are times that we come to a point where we have done all that we can do. It’s in those times that we completely give the matter to God and ask that God will bring the healing needed. Nothing’s too hard for God.

But often times, we haven’t done all that we can do, according to what the Bible says. There are things that God will ask of us. Let me share some biblical principles:

1. We must forgive. If God has forgiven me, I should forgive other people.

Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

2. We must pursue God’s peace.

Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

3. We must make amends. To make amends is to put back together, to restore, to reconcile, and to say I am sorry. Why? Because it leads to healthy relationships and healthy living. Usually, we want the other person to make amends, but it takes maturity to go first and to take the initiative.

Jesus said in Matthew 5:23-24 - "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

Today’s Challenge: The restoration of broken relationships begins with believing that all things are possible with God. As long as we refuse to believe God can do it, it’s not likely it will happen. Let’s believe God to do it, and let’s ask him for the courage to take the necessary steps.