Two family members having a strained conversation, one elderly and one younger. Strangers. My heart listening between the words spoken. A disconnect occurred in their relationship in the past. They have reached a superficial level of communication, each one wanting to hear what the other cannot or will not speak. The underlying desire for reconciliation is a soft plea in one voice through the exchange. The older voice has settled into hardened formality without any thought of advancing from that position. The younger continues to ramble on, needing something that has not been given, until the older interrupts about an expected phone call, seemingly uninterested in continuing the present conversation. My heart sinks as I hear the quiet sigh of resignation of failure once again to receive what is needed. Hope unfulfilled. Perhaps the next interaction, or the next, or the next, will yield the desired words. Someone has been hurt deeply in the past and has held onto their reaction, justifying their refusal to forgive completely. How much time has passed since the younger apologized, seeking forgiveness? How long must the younger suffer before forgiveness is granted by the older? The offense has been nurtured and allowed to take root and grow into bitterness, crowding out the capacity for love, hardening the heart through the unresolved pain and hurt. How tragic to establish identity in what has caused pain.
The radical love of God untangles our twisted, chaotic thoughts and emotions. The truth in God’s Word reveals who He is and transforms us into the likeness of Christ. The love of Jesus changes how we see and love others. We can let go of all that chokes our hearts and live free. We can boldly speak the words others long to hear without regard for our own desires, because the love of Jesus has filled our voids. We can give without receiving. We can love without keeping track, keeping score, measuring and comparing. We can pray for all we encounter in our daily lives. We can serve Christ victoriously through His power and authority.
We can.
Will we?