Healthy CommunicationSample

Go the Extra Mile

Can you think of a time when you had an ongoing issue with someone in your life? Then, just when you thought you couldn’t take another minute, God asked you to hang in there one more time and not give up?

Over the years, the Lord has used my marriage to teach me important lessons in this area. I can vividly remember one occasion when my husband, Dave, and I had been arguing. Afterward, the Lord spoke to my heart and said, “I want you to go apologize and ask for his forgiveness.”

I said, “But God, he started it! Dave should be the first one to say he’s sorry!”

The Lord was asking me to be the peacemaker—to go the extra mile to make peace, regardless of what Dave did or didn’t do. He wanted me to see how taking this action brings unity and allows Him to bring healing in our relationships.

You see, God is asking us to be long-suffering with the people in our lives. He wants us to go the extra mile and stay determined to do the right thing, even when other people do the wrong thing. And remember, even if no one else notices, God always sees.

You won’t always agree with your spouse, family, or friends, but you can still respect and appreciate them. And as you do your part to smooth things over, God will not only honor your commitment, He will also bless your life in greater ways than you can imagine.

Pray: “God, please show me how to go the extra mile to pursue peace in my relationships today. Thank You for Your constant patience with me, and for giving me the grace I need to be humble and kind to people in frustrating situations. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”