April 30 - May 1, 2005, Selected

DESPERATE HOUSE LIVES!
PICKING UP THE PIECES: SURVING REGRETS!

HOW TO RESTORE A RELATIONSHIP

A. BY MOVING TOWARD GOD.
“When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue them and honor them.” Psalm 91:15 (NLT)
“In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.” Psalm 86:7 (NIV)
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (NIV)

B. BY WORKING TO RESTORE RELATIONSHIPS.

The key: Humility
“… clothe yourselves with humility toward one another…” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

1. ASK FOR GOD'S HELP

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6b (NIV)

2. AFFIRM THE OTHER PERSON'S VALUE

“Have a profound respect for each other.” Rom. 12:10b (JB)

“Do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others that to yourself.” Phil 2:3 (NCV)

3. ACKNOWLEDGE MY RESPONSIBILITY AND SIN

“Each person must be responsible for himself.” Gal. 6:5 (NCV)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23 (NIV)

4. ALLOW OTHERS TO BE HUMAN

“You must make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” Col. 3:13 (NLT)

5. ADJUST TO THEIR NEEDS

“Look out for one another’s interests, not just your own.” Phil. 2:4 (GN)

“We should please others. If we do what helps them, we will build them up in the Lord.” Rom. 15:2 (NLT)

6. ABANDON MY OWN RIGHTS

“Your attitude should be the same as Christ Jesus had. Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God… Instead of this, of His own free will, He gave up all He had and took the nature of a servant.” Phil. 2:5-7 (NLT &GN)

“May God, who gives endurance and encouragement, allow you to live in harmony with each other by following the example of Christ Jesus.” Rom. 15:5 (GWT)