Conflict requires someone to come with peace, reconciliation and love, even if rejected
With so much pressure on the family today, we need to know that we are not the first generation to experience these hardships, conflicts, and pain.
Over the years, I have spoken in various places about what is called the prodigal son, but we must acknowledge that there were two prodigal sons. Many forget that the older brother was more prodigal than the younger brother, if we dare to use such confusing language but it is necessary to bring out the truth.
When his younger brother returned to the family home, the older brother got angry!
What is it that makes you angry? Is there something in the family that annoys you and makes you very angry?
When I attend and conduct funerals, it is sometimes amazing to hear what has angered certain members of the family circle.
Is it worth it when the father or mother lies in the coffin or the coffin and the brothers and sisters do not speak to each other?
That older brother distanced himself from the family. Even when his father invited him to the homecoming party, he indignantly refused. That’s almost demonic.
He didn’t show his father any respect at all, and we’re seeing him in various places these days and it causes so much angst and heartbreak. Sin interrupts in so many different ways!
One can broaden this relationship issue to a much broader consideration than just the family circle.
When referring to his younger brother, the only thing he could say was ‘this son of yours’. He couldn’t bring himself to use a nicer term.
The father is so kind and generous here. He has dated both children and has tried to show both his concern and compassion. Yes, he did it in different ways, but the circumstances were very different.
When Jesus Christ shed His blood to take away our sin and was crucified, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.”
At a time like this, that was a powerful prayer.
There are times when we do things and say things and we’re not sure what’s going on, but Almighty God sees it all.
Is there someone in your family circle you don’t talk to? Is there someone you loved and you’ve had a fight with them, and you can know the reason and not be quite sure the reason? These things happen so suddenly, like a car accident!
Almighty God is in the business of restoring prodigal sons and daughters. It all depends on our attitude and perspective, but if we hold on to bitterness, it can have a devastating effect on the family and even within our physical body. Don’t make judgments about it.
After Joseph’s brothers sold him to merchants, he eventually rose to become Prime Minister of Egypt, and when his brothers went down to get food during the famine, he was very tender, kind, and forgiving. He didn’t even want his brothers to be angry with themselves for the way they had mistreated him before.
Joseph rose above it all and was able to see the mighty hand of God using these painful and imprisoning circumstances.
Rise above that problem, whatever it is. Rise above that argument or family feud.
Go and reconcile and keep working on it until the goal is met and achieved.
sand shaw