Freely Speaking Audio Devotion
Welcome to Freely Speaking, an OHSOFREE devotional ministry where we share our hearts and trust God for transformation.
Today, Sharee Gaiser shares her thoughts on how loving God with all your soul can help when you experience relational challenges.
Our scripture is found in Mark 12:30 NIV:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
The meal sat on the table, going cold. The clock ticked, out of sync with my beating heart, growing madder by the minute. My husband didn’t mean to upset me, yet deep down, I took his behavior personally.
As a newly married bride, I didn’t pay enough attention to the little niggles in my soul. I felt silly sharing my hurts and tried to ignore them. Feeling insignificant, I was angry anytime my husband was late, and I withdrew, often giving him the silent treatment. What was once a minor irritation soon became a blockage to connection.
When relationship issues are not adequately processed at the soul level, our view of ourselves and others changes, and so does our behavior. We may withdraw, entertain negative feelings, or even become bitter and resentful. When it feels too hard, we can lose all hope for healing. There is no space for peace in a soul filled with pain and anger.
Before minor issues become major, we need to bravely open lines of communication and share the truth in love. We are called to live in peace with one another. The Bible calls this reconciliation—restoring and uniting two souls once separated by hurt.
Reconciliation is a beautiful picture of the work of Jesus, who reconciled us to God through His death on the cross. 2 Corinthians 5:18, in the ESV translation, reminds us, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” God has called us to be ministers of reconciliation, not counting others’ sins against them. With God’s help, we can make every effort to live in peace, pursue reconciliation in cooperation with others, and experience healthy relationships.
It saved much angst when I finally told my husband how I felt and that I’d prefer him to communicate if he would be home late. He genuinely understood the impact of his behavior. I also acknowledged and repented of how I had hurt him with my anger and withdrawal. We both expressed our sincere desire and intention to change so that we would not bring this pain into our relationship in the future. I can honestly say it is no longer an issue!
When we least want connection restored, we need to trust God’s love and approach the other person with grace and honesty. By talking about our pain and reconciling when hurts threaten to keep us separated, real healing in our souls is possible.
What does being an active part of God’s reconciliation work with others mean to you?
Thank you for joining us today. If you would like to learn more about OhSoFree Ministries, please visit us at www.ohsofreeministries.com/