Title: Forgiveness and Restoration/ Title: Relationship

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 3; Jeremiah 4; John 11

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:11-13
11 The LORD said to me, "Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah. 12 Go, proclaim this message toward the north: " 'Return, faithless Israel,' declares the LORD, 'I will frown on you no longer, for I am merciful,' declares the LORD, 'I will not be angry forever.
13 Only acknowledge your guilt— you have rebelled against the LORD your God, you have scattered your favors to foreign gods under every spreading tree, and have not obeyed me,' " declares the LORD.

Observation: Forgiveness and restoration are two completely different things. God is our example in both. He tells us that we are responsible to forgive those who have wronged us. Period. There are no exceptions for those who don't apologize to us. We are to forgive simply because we've been forgiven when we didn't deserve it. Forgiveness keeps us from being bound to any negative emotion. Restoration, however, is a different subject. These verses instruct us on what needs to happen in order for a relationship to be restored. Forgiveness is the first step. The second is for the offending party to admit their fault and sin to the offended party. (See v. 13 – God wants to hear from His people an admission of guilt; He wants an apology). Many people, when they do wrong to others, just want to act as if nothing has happened. They wait awhile, put on a smile and try to pick up the relationship like it was before the offense. Especially if the party they offended has extended forgiveness to them. They don't want to take responsibility for their actions because dealing with their indescretions is unpleasant for them. This reaction is based in self-centeredness. One of the reasons the admission of guilt is so important is that it helps break the self-absorption of a person that causes them to sin in the first place. It's also necessary to help re-establish trust in the offended party.

Application: We all need to practice the skills of restoration. I need to learn to forgive from the heart. I also need to learn how important it is to admit guilt when I've wronged someone. Admitting guilt goes far beyond the typical "I'm sorry" apology. It acknowledges the hurt of the other person and lets them know that we understand the depth of and accept responsibility for our wrong behavior. It's important for us to teach these truths to our children as well as learn them for ourselves. "I'm sorry" is not the same as "I was wrong".

Prayer: Father teach us all to forgive from the heart so that we aren't bound by negative emotions. Teach us also to accept responsibility for the wrongs we commit against You and others, which begins the process of repentance. Also, help us to understand that we can't make restoration happen with others we care about. That takes both parties doing their part. Help us to do our part and not to worry about the aspects of relationship that are in the other person's control and out of ours. May we pray for those who despitefully use us as You taught us to. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.