James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (KJV)

Exodus 15:26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee. (KJV)

Do you have some relationships that need healing? 

When you think about healing, it is often a physical problem you focus on. However, healing can apply to your relationships as well. When there is tension, strife, and distance in your relationships, you need healing. You recognize the need, even if you don’t acknowledge it. How, because it becomes difficult and a strain to interact with those you are in a relationship with.

Colossians 3:12-13 Since you are all set apart by God, made holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a holy way of life: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Put up with one another. Forgive. Pardon any offenses against one another, as the Lord has pardoned you, because you should act in kind. (The Voice TVT)

Your conversations are short and functional when they were not that way between you before. If you are the one who caused the problem, you have to admit it. You may say, “It was not my fault, I did nothing wrong, I was just playing, it’s not that serious, etc.” However, when your friend, co-worker, family member, etc. shares an offense, addressed it. Allow him/her to explain. Even if you don’t remember, agree, or see it the same way. You don’t have to own it, nor justify it. However, you do need to acknowledge it.

Matthew 5:23-24 So if when you are offering your gift at the altar you there remember that your brother has any [grievance] against you, 24 Leave your gift at the altar and go. First make peace with your brother, and then come back and present your gift. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

What if the situation was reversed? How would you want to be handled? You don’t have to wait until your  friend, co-worker, family member, etc. comes to you. Don’t allow the enemy to whisper in your ear. Don’t fill your head with negativity, phrases like  “I should have known; I won’t allow anyone this close to me again; People are all the same; Who needs friends, etc.” , don’t represent God. Also, you are not showing maturity if you drag around an offense, pretending to be over it when you are not. Actually, it is quite the opposite of mature. Give the Lord praise because He made provision for this situation as well; you address it.

Matthew 18:15 If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

It does not matter which category you fall into, and the offender/offense may change from situation to situation. The Bible requires you to deal with it. If anyone has offended you; the responsibility lies with you. You can’t make anyone do anything; you put your blessings at risk, waiting for someone to come to you. If you are the one who committed the offense, the Holy Spirit will let you know. You can choose to ignore it; however, you lose your ability to offer gifts to the Father. Be who God has called you to be.

Ephesians 4:2 With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience. (The Passion Translation TPT)

Then you have to forgive, or God will deal with you as you deal with others (Matthew 6:12).

Ephesians 4:31-32 Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. 32 Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. (Good News Translation GNT)

You don’t want to put anything between you and your relationship with God. You must deal with the situation; be honest with the Father about how you feel. Go to Him in prayer and He will show you want to say and what to do. If you are obedient, God will heal your situation and mend your relationship. Give Him praise for He is Jehovah Rophe [ja-hō-va ra-fē] (The LORD our Healer).

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, for as long as I can remember, I have said, “The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.” I applied that scripture to whatever I was praying about. I repent for believing it meant I could have whatever I thought I needed or wanted. I didn’t understand the focus of that scripture was healing. You showed me that scripture was dealing with a broken heart and broken relationship. You have made it abundantly clear to me there’s no way to have a relationship with You, and I don’t have a relationship with those I see every day. Broken communion, in the natural, negatively affects my communion with You. I can’t ignore disagreements. I can’t pretend like the tension doesn’t exist. I can’t sweep it under the rug. I can’t tell anyone to get over it or force myself to get over it. Many of the people around me have considered characterized me as confrontational. Somehow, they made sure I knew that was not a compliment. As a result, I spent a lot of years trying to go with the flow and let things roll off my back. I repent for messing with Your design; I had no right. You put that in me. I did not choose to be this way. You are teaching me how to confront issues in Your strength, in Your power, and mostly in Your Love. Thank You. I don’t want to have tense interactions with those who name the name of Christ and even those who don’t, even though I know sometimes I will. You are Jehovah Rophe, You can bring healing to any and every situation. You are the God of reconciliation. I thank You for giving me understanding. Because I am made righteous by the blood of Jesus, my effectual fervent prayer will heal my relationships…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.