Uncommonಮಾದರಿ

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32

I did not start honoring my father until the last ten years of his life. He and I had a bad history. I do not look at my childhood fondly due to him, though I’m starting to remember the good parts as I get older. When he visited me in Charleston as a young man, I secretly hated him but allowed him to try to connect with my wife and daughters at arm’s length. As my father reached 80, I noticed his body slowing down. One afternoon, I passed by the guest bedroom, where he slept. My father was sitting on the bed, struggling to put his shoes on. I resented this man. I have false teeth because of his punishments. However, the Holy Spirit beckoned me that day to go to this old WWII veteran, kneel in front of him, and help him tie his shoes.

From that day forward, my relationship with Pop changed. I started calling him Pop again. He re-dedicated his life to Christ and started living presidentially. Since Pop’s passing, my heart has missed him terribly. The restoration of our relationship began with one shoe-tying moment.

Part of holiness is doing the uncommon thing. My typical action was to think, “serves you right, old man.” But the moment I allowed Jesus to dictate how I should feel about this man, I could honor him. As a result of that honor and the power of forgiveness, restoration occurred.

I wonder how many relationships could be reconciled, marriages saved, and how many estranged kids would come home if we were to live uncommonly and practice the holiness of God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. What is one relationship that you need to change your thoughts about in life?
2. How could you make one small step towards restoration?
3. What does the Lord want your relationship status to be with this person?