Discernment in Relationships

Jesus said something in Luke 6:26 that we need to think about; “Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you. If we are living a godly life, we are going to be criticized for it. The fact is we should have a few enemies.

 If we have the mind of Christ and a heart of compassion, the scriptures clearly teach that we will want to help people. We will want to reach out to people. However, every relationship in our life (outside of our family) should be tested. In other words, are we really succeeding in lifting them up or are they dragging us down? 

In Numbers 33:55, God instructed the Israelites that those you let remain, “…shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell”.  Obviously, there were reasons why God required His people to separate themselves from some of the people around them. 

You must discern those who belong in your past. Sometimes you just have to let go of people and turn them over to God.  You cannot fix everyone you meet. If your efforts to strengthen a relationship have failed, admit it.  Move on.  If you face criticism for doing so; then so be it.  Not everyone you meet in the journey of life is going to like you.  Jesus said so.

 

The Pastor’s Pocket

Pastor Bruce Freeman

 

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