Rough Edges

II Chronicles 17:10–13

“The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not go to war against Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought Jehoshaphat gifts and silver as tribute, and the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred goats. Jehoshaphat became more and more powerful; he built forts and store cities in Judah and had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He also kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.”

Only God can effect a genuine change of heart among people. It is reassuring that no matter how frustrating relationships can be, we can bring it to God and He will bless it and bring about change either in us or the people around us. We can trust His holy wisdom in this and the grace of His Spirit. “We are not always able to control the way other people feel or act toward us. Instead, in all of our difficult relationships and interactions with people, let us seek to honor God in hope that He would work in their hearts”, it says in today’s Living Life, noting how nations and peoples viewed King Jeshoshaphat of Judah in high regard so much so that even his enemies offer him tribute. Offering ourselves to God as living sacrifices (Rom 12:1) assists in us being enabled to smoothen the rough edges of our connections with others, the Bible reminds us, “if it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone (Rom 12:18)”, it is that which the world desires but in its patterns of hate (John 15:18), frustration, and being subject to futility (Rom 8:20) cannot completely achieve, let us conform to Christ alone. May we always seek God’s blessing over all our connections that we can ultimately guide friends and family to seeking, finding, knowing, liking, and trusting our LORD Jesus.