Lent Devotional: RestorationSample

Have you ever experienced the pain of a broken relationship?

The Bible tells us we are made for loving relationships with one another. God is love, and ‘we love because he first loved us.’ (1 John 4:19)

But what happens when relationships don’t work? When people let us down or disappoint us? Whether it’s a friend, family member, or partner, sometimes the people closest to us can cause the most hurt. And if we’re honest, even with the best intentions, we can disappoint and hurt others too.

Throughout this devotional series, we will see that God is in the business of mending what is broken and bringing restoration, even when it seems impossible.

Some relationships might not be fully healed until Jesus returns. For others, it might not be healthy or wise for us to try and repair them. It can be painful to let go. But the season of Lent reminds us that there is hope among the brokenness. That even as we wait in the wilderness, we can know the comfort of God’s presence.

In today’s reading, Jesus meets a woman who has experienced a string of broken relationships. In her culture, this would have been a source of shame and isolation from other people. But Jesus, fully aware of her brokenness, didn’t judge her. He came alongside. He reminded her of her God-given potential.

Jesus restored her dignity; as a result, she received salvation and brought her whole village to Jesus! She went from broken relationships to helping others restore their relationships with God.

Komola’s story

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At Tearfund, we see God restoring relationships all around the world through our work with local churches. Komola in Bangladesh (pictured above) used to have difficult relationships with her friends, family, and neighbours. After she attended Tearfund’s Bible training at her church, made possible by our supporters, her life and relationships were completely transformed.

Reflect

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Broken relationships are not God’s plan. Where might God want to bring healing and wholeness in your relationships? Spend a few moments in silence and ask him to speak to you.

• Are there any relationships in your life that need God’s healing? Is there anyone you need to forgive or ask for forgiveness?
• Are there relationships in your community that need restoring?
• Where might God be inviting you to reach out to someone and bring restoration to a relationship?

Pray

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Father God,

Thank you for showing me your perfect love through Jesus Christ.

I give my relationships to you and ask that, where there is brokenness, your love would break through.

Where I feel hurt, would you bring me healing?

Where I feel like giving up, would you give me hope?

And when I am wronged, help me to forgive as you have so graciously forgiven me.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

With every blessing,

Lydia Lewis

Editor