"Don't cut it, repair it." I saw this phrase in an advertisement for hair products. And it made me think about how we do the same in our lives, not just with something cosmetic. We have damaged relationships, damaged dreams, and instead of looking for a way to repair them we go the easy way out and cut that area or that person from our lives.
I don't want you to misunderstand me, if there is a person in your life or a bad habit that is causing you harm, it is best to cut it off. But there are situations that can still be saved and for which it is worth fighting, and many times we do not do it out of pride or fear. In my case, it is almost always the first one.
A couple of years ago I had a problem at the church I went to. Nothing very big or serious, but it bothered me a lot because it hit my ego. And my reaction was not just to get angry, but to walk away from the church for a couple of months (like two or three - not really a big deal, it was more of a tantrum.)
You could say that I "cut off" that part of my life temporarily, but over time I realized that the hurt and unforgiveness in my heart was affecting other internal things in me, in my decision making and in my relationship with God. I believed that ignoring that "offense" was going to make everything disappear, but in reality I was only hiding a wound that sooner or later was going to be opened again.
That's all the enemy needs, a small space, a small wound, to get in and do his thing. But God spoke to my life and with a lot of love He asked me to “fix it”. I started by going to my leader and then to one of the pastors, and told them what was happening with me. Then I turned to what I was on the run for so long: talking to those who had actually hurt me.
At first it was uncomfortable to talk to these people, but as we progressed in the conversation, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. After explaining how that situation had made each party feel, we came to the moment of asking for forgiveness. I apologized for my attitude, they apologized for what their actions had caused in me and then we forgave each other.
When we finished speaking, I felt peace. Perhaps the wound did not close instantly, but the healing process began. I discovered that, like hair, the heart is also repaired through a process, and in this case, that process oftentimes begins with forgiveness. It's not a magic potion, but it is something that with proper attention and care can be restored.
Repairing a relationship and speaking things up front doesn't really come in easily. But is extremely necessary to be able to heal and grow. This applies to all kinds of relationships, with our parents, siblings, friends, leaders, coworkers.
Basically any relationship where there had been an offense, a betrayal or a misunderstanding. Forgiveness towards yourself and others can help you repair those relationships and above all, repair your heart.
That is why today I want to invite you not to cut off that area or that relationship that still has a purpose in your life. Repair it. But most importantly, do it with the help of Jesus.
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