I was thinking about one particular Christian I know getting to Heaven and seeing another Christian they don’t like and never want to see again in this life. I wonder if they’ll get mad at God at that point and want to leave?

Have anyone in your life like that? Also, if it won’t matter then, why should it matter now?

Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Inherent in this verse is the true realization that not everyone will be willing to walk peaceably. So that leaves us with the tragic consequence that we will not be able to resolve all conflicts in this lifetime.

For me, I use what I call, “The Shopping Cart Test.” I imagine a scenario where I am shopping at a store and I see someone with whom I have unresolved issues / conflicts, but they do not yet see me. What do I do? In my view, if I duck down the aisle to avoid being seen, or having to have a conversation with them, I believe that I am, even in some small way, probably a contributing part of the conflict myself.

On the other hand, if I can hold my head up, and know that I have nothing to hide, and have done nothing wrong in the situation, then I should feel no compulsion to duck and run to avoid them. There are, I’m sure, exceptions to my rule, but it helps me to have a guideline.

Ultimately, we need to continue to pray for broken relationships, and believe that God can heal and restore them in His timing. All things are possible with Him. We just need to continue to reach out in love when possible, hold on to hope and make sure that we have not hardened our own hearts, thereby hindering the restoration that could take place.

Israel Wayne is an Author and Conference Speaker and Director of Family Renewal, LLC. He is also the Site Editor for www.ChristianWorldview.net. 

Israel has preached this sermon on forgiveness, and recommends this book on Choosing Forgiveness by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth.

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