Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:23-24
Forgiveness Between Us
In our lives, we sometimes find ourselves in disagreements or conflicts with others. It could be a friend, family member, or coworker. The Bible highlights the importance of forgiveness in these relationships. By embracing forgiveness, we not only mend our hearts but also strengthen our bonds, reflecting God’s grace in our lives. Forgiveness allows us to move forward, erase grievances, and bring peace back into our relationships. When we forgive and seek to reconcile, we are joining in the beautiful act of making up with those we love.
Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. – Luke 6:37
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times!” – Matthew 18:21-22
Mark 11:25
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. – Mark 11:25
Reconciliation with One Another
As we work towards making up, it’s vital to embrace the concept of reconciliation. This means taking steps to restore our relationships and heal the wounds that have been created by misunderstandings or arguments. Reconciliation is more than just apologizing; it’s about rebuilding trust and showing genuine love and care for one another. The Bible encourages us to be peacemakers, actively seeking harmony and understanding in our interactions. We must strive to represent Christ in our relationships, reflecting His love by reaching out to those we may have hurt.
2 Corinthians 5:18
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Romans 12:18
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. – Romans 12:18
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9
James 3:18
Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. – James 3:18
Galatians 6:1
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. – Galatians 6:1
Love Through Conflict
Love is the guiding light in our relationships, especially when conflicts arise. The Bible teaches us that love is patient, kind, and forgiving. When we approach disagreements with a heart full of love, we create an environment conducive to making up. As we engage with each other in love, we cultivate understanding and patience, allowing us to resolve tensions and nurture our connections. Embracing love leads to reconciliation, and it’s a powerful weapon against division and strife. Love transcends conflicts and beckons us to reconcile and make up.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8
Song of Solomon 8:6
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. – Song of Solomon 8:6
1 John 4:19
We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
Humility in Making Up
A heart of humility is necessary in the process of making up with others. Often, we let pride stand in the way of seeking forgiveness or reconciliation. The Bible teaches us that humility leads us to serve one another and to recognize our own faults. By embracing humility, we realize the value of our relationships and become willing to mend broken connections. In our humility, we find the courage to apologize and take responsibility for our actions. It brings us closer to each other and allows God to work through us in powerful ways.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. – Philippians 2:3
James 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – James 4:6
Proverbs 18:12
Before a downfall, the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. – Proverbs 18:12
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. – 1 Peter 5:6
Matthew 23:12
For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. – Matthew 23:12
Praying for Resolution
When seeking to make up with someone, prayer can be a powerful tool in our hearts. It opens a channel to God where we can express our frustrations, ask for strength, and seek guidance on how to mend our relationships. Prayer encourages us to lay our burdens before God and seek His comfort and wisdom. By inviting God into our reconciliatory efforts, we allow Him to work miracles in our hearts and in the hearts of others. Together, we can pray for resolution and unity, trusting that God will help heal our relationships and help us make up.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. – Matthew 7:7
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5
Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. – Ephesians 6:18
Practicing Grace in Relationships
Grace is a central theme in our relationships, especially when it comes to reconciliation. When we practice grace, we extend forgiveness and understanding, just as Christ has done for us. Embracing grace helps us to let go of past hurts and be willing to create a fresh start with those we love. It encourages us to overlook the mistakes of others and focus on rebuilding our connections. Grace leads us not only to forgive but also to love unconditionally, creating an atmosphere where make up becomes achievable and genuine.
Ephesians 4:7
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. – Ephesians 4:7
Titus 3:4-5
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. – Titus 3:4-5
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. – Romans 5:8
Colossians 4:6
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Colossians 4:6
John 1:16
Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. – John 1:16
Final Thoughts
Making up with others is essential in our Christian walk. We must practice forgiveness, love, humility, and grace in our relationships. Through prayer, we can seek God’s guidance and rely on His strength to help us mend our connections with one another. Embracing these biblical principles allows us to demonstrate the love of Christ to others and fosters an environment of reconciliation. Let’s remember that all of our efforts in making up not only bring peace to our lives but also create a reflection of God’s love in the world.
As we choose to make up, we are encouraged to use resources such as forgiveness and letting go and forgiveness and forgetting to help us move forward in our relationships. Together, we can bring healing to our hearts and to those around us.
May we always strive to seek reconciliation and uphold the love of Christ in every aspect of our lives.