Relationships, Misunderstandings and Forgiveness

     Good relationships are maintained through a good balance.  We need a good balance to stay physically healthy and we also need a good balance to stay spiritually healthy and to have good relationships.  It's an every day thing.  We have to eat every day to maintain physical well being and the same principals apply to our spiritual life.  The word of God is our spiritual food.  Jesus said in John 6: 27, "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the son of man will give you.  on Him, God the Father has placed His seal of approval."  We have to study the Bible every day.  Pick a subject or a project, and put some time aside for it.  Get a concordance and look up every scripture about the Holy Spirit, or health, marriage or love.  Just pick a topic and get into it.  Just like anything, it will take some effort, until you make it routine.  Your flesh might fight it, but soon you will want to do it.  It's exciting, and God will bless you.  Make it strictly Bible, though, the Word, your spiritual food.
     We need exercise, for physical strength and we need prayer and minestry for spiritual strength.  Pray all day, pray about everything.  Tell Jesus exactally how you feel.  Look deep inside yourself and pray.  And along with prayer, find a minestry.  Work on it often.
     To stay healthy, your body needs rest.  We also need to rest in the lord.  Sing to God, worship Jesus, every day.  Turn on some music, sing and dance in the spirit, rest in Him.  Then mentally let go of all bitterness.  Forgive those who made you angry.  You don't have to physically go to each person, just don't cling on to anger.  Picture anger, hate and bitterness, put that big black mass into a nice basket and say, "Here, Lord, you can have these feelings.  Help me to recieve peace."  Ask God to change the hearts and attitudes of those who you are having problems with.  Then knowing that God answers prayer, stand firm, nothing wavering, believe.
     If you are like me, you have tried to change others on your own.  That doesn't work, so try giving it to God.  It may not happen all at once but soon you will see change, in yourself and others.  Some things may take more time and you might have to get to the root of your feelings, but God will help, He is faithful.
     You are also going to have to want the help.  Maybe you think you do, but deep down it seems to hard.  Or maybe you actually like those feelings of anger.  So if you honestly can't pray, "Lord help me to forgive."  Then pray, "Lord help me to want to forgive, help me to want to change, help me to want to love others."  Also pray for the ones causing you trouble to understand you.  When you have done this balance of things, then your relationships will get better.  And the things that seemed irritating and impossible, will seem petty and small.
     One more thing.  Before you talk to anyone you are having problems with, pray, bind up anything that might make that person misunderstand.  Pray that the Holy Spirit will fill you and give you the right words.  And pray that their ears will be open to your words and feelings.  Most arguments are because of a misunderstanding.  So be sure that when you talk, that you both understand the real feelings behind the words.  And like I say so often, listen for Gods voice and follow.