When a relationship is broken, who is to blame? We often look for the offending side, thinking they must fix things. They must right the wrongs and adjust their attitude and actions so the relationship can be put right. And until they do, we are put out, frustrated, hurt, and estranged.
But what if, even though there is only one offending side, one side that carries all the burden of blame, God would call the offended, gracious side to be even more so? What if, to fix the relationship as best it can be, God calls the loving, self-sacrificing side to be even more so? What if God calls the long suffering to stretch undeserved patience and kindness even further?
Perhaps there are times when God would call us to “shake the dust off our feet” and move on. But even those times should be done for God’s purpose and the greater good. Not for our own convenience or self-righteous satisfaction. I think in a relationship gone bad, even when the blame falls completely on one side (if there ever is such a case) there is always change that can happen on both or either side that will work for good. The question is, which side is willing to listen to God, step with courage and obedience into the path of change, and start walking the relationship in a better direction?
If you need more details from God on how to make the change, see 1 Corinthians chapter 13 from God’s play book.