Resolving Problems In Human Relationships

Someone has said, “The more I get to know the human race, the more I love my dog.” We know that dogs are loyal, dependable, eager to please, and quick to forgive and forget. Don’t we wish people were more like that? But sometimes no matter how hard we try to have a good relationship with someone, personalities clash and it doesn’t work.

The apostle Paul addressed the situation of resolving problems in human relationships in Romans 12:18. Note the phrase “as much as depends on you.” He knew that some people-problems may never be resolved entirely. After all —  just as it takes two to quarrel —  it takes two to reconcile. If we do our part and the problem remains, there is still a plan to follow. Let’s not harbor resentment or retaliate with the weapon of silence, but rather do all we can to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21), and allow God to work out the problem.

We need to make application of the following steps given in Romans 12:9-21 until our people-problems are resolved —  but especially if they’re not:

• Demonstrate genuine love toward one another (Romans 12:9).
• Be affectionate to one another —  showing high esteem and respect (Romans 12:10).
• Be prayerfully patient (Romans 12:12).
• Bless our persecutors (Romans 12:14; cf. Matthew 5:44; Acts 7:60).
• Be humble rather than conceited (Romans 12:16).
• Be honest with one another (Romans 12:17; cf. 2 Corinthians 8:21).
• Never have a vengeful attitude (Romans 12:19).
• Keep a person’s needs and best interests at heart (Romans 12:20; cf. 1 Samuel 24:16-19).
• Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).

There’s an old adage that holds true regarding human relationships — people don’t care about how much we know, until they know how much we care. Beloved, we can better resolve problems in human relationships if the person we’re having a conflict with knows that we truly care about them and their eternal souls. After all — the Lord truly cares! (1 Peter 5:7; 2 Peter 3:9).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets