Broken vessels
Q. Is there ever a time to let go of a relationship?
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: ... a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away." Ecclesiastes 3:1, 5-6
This passage from Ecclesiastes (Wisdom literature) acknowledges that there are times and seasons for everything in life, including relationships. And sadly there may come a time for some when continuing to hold on to a relationship is no longer healthy or even possible, and it's important to recognise this.
During times such as these it's essential to seek God’s wisdom and discernment for our lives.
"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." James 1:5
When facing a relationship that heading beyond repair, seeking God’s wisdom is crucial. The Lord promises to provide guidance when we ask for His help in making decisions that are aligned with His will.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in God’s plan for our lives is essential, especially when they are in turmoil and our understanding limited. God can direct us along the right path, even if it means letting go of a toxic relationship.
We all need peace in our lives and the Bible encourages us to strive for peace in all our relationships, but it also acknowledges that peace may not always be possible. If a relationship is beyond repair despite all efforts, it may be time to let go in order to preserve our peace,
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." Romans 12:18
*Notice the caveat "If it is possible" ?
No matter what the type of relationship, if it begins to fail, hearts start to harden as we retreat to our respective corners of the ring!
"Jesus replied, 'Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.'" Matthew 19:8
In this verse Jesus acknowledged that Moses permitted divorce when the concrete of hard-heartedness had set firm! This reveals that Moses recognised that there are situations where reconciliation is no longer possible. This reflects the reality that some relationships, due to hardened hearts or irreconcilable differences, can move beyond repair.
In order to stop our hearts from turning to stone we are called to forgive so that healing can begin.
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colossians 3:13
Even in relationships that end, forgiveness is essential for personal healing. While reconciliation may not always be possible, letting go of resentment is necessary for our spiritual well-being. If we don't let it go the resentment festers consuming us from within.
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" Matthew 18:21-22
These verses reveal to us something of God's forgiveness that highlights to us the importance of forgiveness. Even when a relationship is over continual forgiveness is key to releasing the hurt that allows us to move forward, regardless of the relationship's outcome.
Finding the strength to forgive doesn't instantly remove our pain, but it does allow God’s comfort and healing to come into our lives.
"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18
God offers comfort and healing to those who are heartbroken. When a relationship ends, leaning on God for strength and healing is essential. God encourages us to look to the future and trust in the new things He is doing in our lives. Here we need to hold firm in our faith trusting that He is capable of bringing new life and opportunities when our future seems bleak. In God we find hope for the future
"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29:11
Even when a relationship ends, God’s plan for our life in Him is one of hope with a future. Trusting in His plan helps us to move forward with confidence, in this the Apostle Paul writes,
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
This verse reassures us that God can bring good out of any situation, even a broken relationship, and that He is always working for our ultimate good. We can rejoice in good news found in the Gospel which is the unbreakable relationship that all believers have with Jesus Christ, for He assures us that;
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28
In this life all of us in some way or another are broken vessels. Thankfully Christ can mend and heal us, we have no greater friend than Him
Have a great week, and God bless,
Trev.