“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.’
Leviticus 19:18 (NIV)
Have you ever considered the significance of bridges? How God sent His Son, Jesus, to be a Bridge over sin for each of us who receive His free gift of eternal life? God has called men and women who have taken a stand for the restoration of a fractured family to build a bridge of prayer and unconditional love for their prodigal family member – from the ‘pig-pen’ back to a loving family. That bridge intersects with the bridge to Heaven in a beautiful way, when we don’t give up on each other.
Forgiveness is the main support that will support a bridge of trust between family members. Yesterday we read how my father forgave the gentleman who was opposing him so a friendship could start.
If you have not forgiven a family member for what they have done, or for what they are doing right now, you are not ready for family restoration. God cannot restore a family that attempts no reconciliation.
Let’s go back to the dialogue in the car from Part 1. My father could have spent the entire time attempting to prove that he was right on the issues. And yes, he might have won on a few points, but he would have lost a friendship.
During the process of any family restoration, God is going to put you in the ‘vehicle’ of your family members’ problems more than once. The future of your family may depend on whether you strive to build a bridge or attempt to tear it down. Through eyes of faith may you see what God can do and start building a bridge.
Romans 12:18-20 says:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (NIV)
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for bearing our sins on the cross. I place the future of my family in Your hands. Help me to build bridges of friendship with our prodigal family members. Help me in seeing families restored, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Luke 15; Romans 12:18-20
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 37:32-40; Luke 6:37-49; Luke 7:1-10; Numbers 22:21-41; Numbers 23:1-26
