What To Do With A Broken Relationship! (5 Powerful Steps Part 2)

STEP 2: HUMBLE YOURSELF

One of the biggest hindrances to settling our disputes with others is pride. The problems could be remedied, but our egos get in the way. Any peace-making action is somehow viewed as weakness. Since we don't want others to think we are weak. we protect our dignity by not approaching them or by being unapproachable.

But this kind of hardness for the sake of personal esteem is wrong, especially for Christians. If God in Christ could lower Himself to be at peace with sinners, we can lower ourselves to be at peace with each other. In fact, we are commanded to walk "with all lowliness." Therefore, whenever we have problems with others, we should approach them in humility. With this in mind, it's important to understand what humility really is.

Humility Defined. The American Heritage Dictionary defines humility as the opposite of pride. But what kind of pride? What the dictionary editors had in mind was certainly not the acceptable kind - such as the pride we have in our work. our family, and our country. Rather, the opposite of humility is conceit, self-centeredness, and arrogance.

If humility is the opposite of this kind of pride, it means that we should not think of ourselves more highly than we ought (Romans 12:3). It means that we should be interested in the needs and concerns of others (Philippians 2:4). And when we think this way, our desire will be to become the servants of one another (Ephesians 5:21).

Humility in Practice. How does humility work in repairing relationships? First, if we're not big headed, no deed will be considered too small and no sacrifice too big to make things right between us and others. Second, if we are sincerely interested in what concerns other people, then their feelings and opinions will be as important to us as our own. Even though it may be difficult, we will try to be understanding.

Finally, if we are humble, we will continue to respect people, even though we may disagree. We will try to serve them in helpful ways, even if they do not appreciate our efforts. Relationships can be mended if we have the mind of Christ and humble ourselves as He did (philippians 2:5). Then we will also be prepared to accept personal suffering, which is the next important step.

Thinking It Over. What rights did Jesus set aside in order to win us back to Himself? If He did all that for us, why do we have so much trouble setting aside our rights? When was the last time you were in a situation where you were "in the right" but you humbled yourself by seeking out the other person? If you realize that you are the one who is wrong, how can you express your humility?

Citations: Radio Bible Class (RBC)

Enoch Okon

                                                                                     Continue Reading Below!

                                                                              Part 1,Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5