Life's Healing Choices - Week 6

The Relationship Choice
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Key Scripture Reference 1
Matthew 5:7 NIV84

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Key Scripture Reference 2
Matthew 5:9 NIV84

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Note 1
In verses 7 and 9 Jesus is showing us what the right choices are when it comes to relationships: Mercy and Peacemaking.

The Relationship Choice:
I will evaluate all of my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, and make amends for harm that I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

Note 2
Mercy and peacemaking stretch us and mold us to become more like Christ

Question
So what does mercy and peacemaking look like?

Note 3
Mercy is the action of doing something kind to someone who hasn’t earned the kindness or doesn’t even deserve the kindness.

Question
How has that anger and resentment worked for you so far?

Note 4
How am I going to make sure they don’t do it again? You don’t

Note 5
Your job is to obey your Lord and show mercy, their job is to obey the Lord and stop willfully sinning.

Scripture Reference 3
Romans 2:4 NIV84

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Note 6
Healing comes when forgiveness is asked for, granted and amends are made.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
1. Reveal your hurt to the right people.

Scripture Reference 4
Matthew 18:15 NIV84

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
2. Release the offender

Scripture Reference 5
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV84

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy‑seven times.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
3. Replace it with God’s peace and grace

Scripture Reference 5
Colossians 3:15 NIV84

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Scripture Reference 6
Psalm 103:12 NIV84

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Scripture Reference 7
Romans 12:17-18 NIV84

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

Steps to Making Amends
1. Make a list of people the Holy Spirit shows you, you may have wronged.
Questions:
1. Any debts you haven’t repaid?
2. Any promises you have broken?
3. Anyone you’ve taken for granted?
4. Someone you have abused (verbally, physically, emotionally)
5. Have you lied to someone?
6. Have you slandered, criticized, gossiped…?

2. Seek out wisdom for the appropriate way to make amends.
Questions:
1. How would you want someone to make amends to you?
2. Have no expectations.
3. Will this possibly harm them and do more harm than good?
4. What is right attitude, timing, means (letter/call…) restitution?