This just in: Relationships are messy.

I know it’s a lot to take in. And while you’re reeling from that revelation, let me hit you with another:

Sometimes, we are the cause of the mess.

I know, I know. It’s hard to swallow, but it’s true.

Now, I’m having a bit of fun with this, of course, because we already know these things to be true, but all too often we act as if we don’t.

It’s not so much that we expect people to be perfect (although we do), and it’s not so much that we consider ourselves blameless in all of the mess (although we aren’t). The real challenge is in having the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) once the mess has been made.

The standard operating procedure, even amongst believers, is often to say “oh well” and wash our hands of the whole affair. Sometimes even when we’re in the wrong. Because it’s easier to remove the mess from our sight than to labor to clean it up.

This is how marriages fall apart, parents and children remain in discord, families fracture, and communities become places of residence without connection. It’s how the enemy wins.

But forgiving, and seeking forgiveness, are commandments, not suggestions. I believe we will be judged more for our posture of reconciliation (or the lack thereof), than for the offense that caused the mess in the first place.

Let this be a week of reconciliation. Of having the mind of Christ (and His heart), and bearing with one another.

Make a list of those messes you’ve been avoiding, and go make amends. Whether you have ought against your brother, or your brother has ought against you.

And remember, it’s a process. Trust God to carry you through.

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We’ll be praying for a spirit of reconciliation in our relationships tomorrow during Power Prayer Weekly Kickoff. If you’d like to receive prayer for reconciliation, or touch & agree with those that do, please join us at 6am ET on YouTube.