poured out on them abundantly .
Col 3:15 - “ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts , to which indeed you were called in one body . And be thankful .”
3 ) Reconciliation Makes Our Prayers Effective
Note the following verses :
Jam 5:16 “ Therefore , confess your sins to one another and pray for one another , that you may be healed . The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working .”
Mat 6:14 -15 - “ For if you forgive others their trespasses , your heavenly Father will also forgive you , but if you do not forgive others their trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespasses .”
Eph 4:32 - “ Be kind to one another , tenderhearted , forgiving one another , as God in Christ forgave you .”
When we do not forgive the wrong doings of the people , God will also not forgive our sins . Hence we should not have anyone in our lives whom we have not yet forgiven . When we do not forgive a person , it develops as a bitterness in our hearts . The root of bitterness slowly grows and starts to spread into other areas of life . There is a possibility that the person may fail to obtain grace from the Lord . How tragic and dangerous this state is ! This is what we read in Hebrews 12:15 ,“ See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God ; that no “ root of bitterness ” springs up and causes trouble , and by it many become defiled ”
Bitterness not only defiles oneself but also affects others . It affects our families and fellowships . How many of our fellowships and families suffer because of the bitterness of one person ? Let us learn to forgive , so that our prayers will not be hindered .
4 ) Reconciliation Builds Relationships
Good relationships within the family are very important . Today we find many infightings in families - Husband and wife ; Parents and children and among the in-laws . The Bible has word for all wives , husbands , children , servants and masters .
For Wives Col 3:18 - “ Wives , submit to your husbands , as is fitting in the Lord .” 1Pe 3:1 - “ Likewise , wives , be subject to your own husbands , so that even if some do not obey the word , they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives , when they see your respectful and pure conduct .”
For Husbands Col 3:19 - “ Husbands , love your wives , and do not be harsh with them .”
Eph 5:28,29 - “ In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies . He who loves his wife loves himself . For no one ever hated his own flesh , but nourishes and cherishes it , just as Christ does the church .”
In many instances the husband and wife live in the same house but would not talk with each other . Let us take steps to reconcile with each other . Let us humble ourselves and take the first step . Don ' t let your ego separate your family .
For Children Col 3:20 - “ Children , obey your parents in everything , for this pleases the Lord .”
We minister among the young people . We find young people complaining about their parents and , similarly parents complaining about their children . But the Bible encourages the children to obey their parents . Today children are not in a position to obey their parents . And the relationships are broken . Many children don ' t like their parents . They consider their parents to be their enemies . The Bible has a word for the parents as well .
For Parents Col 3:21 - “ Fathers , do not provoke your children , lest they become discouraged .” Parents should not always pester their children .
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