Some GraceHead friends of mine recently reminded me of the disappointment of not being able to be reconciled to friends or family due to hurt feelings or differences of opinion. One of them even reminded me of a message I taught a couple of years ago. Here are some words of that I hope you find encouraging ...
...Since we rarely "get it" the first time, we have to be patient as the Lord is patient (a Holy Spirit fruit) in sharing grace. The same patience is required in working out reconciliation between injured parties.
It's just real hard to deal with hurt - Doh! The more I expect from someone, the greater my vulnerability to hurt becomes. Agape love is willing to risk being hurt. But sometimes we can get into a rut of being hurt.
As Bob George would say, sometimes people who hurt me reveal some pretty unrealistic expectations that I have for them or myself. Expectations like: "Someone I love or care for, will never say things that will upset me!" and "Bud, you'll never misunderstand someone or say something foolish and hurt their feelings!"
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My commandment to you is to love those who have wronged you and forgive them, starting with your own self; and be patient with those whom you have wronged. ~ Jesus [Letters from God and His Christ - Volume 6 - Bear Fruit According to the Spirit of Truth]