We’ve been working through a series of posts on resolving conflicts. The ultimate goal is for reconciliation and forgiveness to occur that can eventually lead to a thriving relationship. It may take time for wounds to heal, but they CAN heal. Here are some key issues to consider if you desire a relationship to heal and thrive. After offering forgiveness promise to:

1. Not think about the incident OR bring up the incident again or use it against the person you just forgave. This is especially hard right after forgiveness and reconciliation have occurred. Feelings are still raw and memories acute.
2. Refuse to talk to others about the incident. There’s nothing to be gained by rehashing something you’ve laid down, nor will it bode well for the relationship just mended.
3. Not allow the incident to stand between you and the other person, or hinder your relationship in any way. In other words, you need to force yourself to act out forgiveness even if you don’t feel like it.

Here’s my final challenge to all of us—what will it take to make it for the long haul in our relationships, especially with those nearest and dearest to us? What price are we willing to pay? Will I fight for what is so important to me? Will I glorify my Father in heaven by choosing to forgive as he has forgiven me (see Ephesians 4:32 and Colossian 3:13 )?