Today’s Petals of Wisdom Devotion was written by Lorraine Reep
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16 (NIV)
I had forgiven her.
I laid the offense at the feet of Jesus and left it. My dear friend had been part of something that wounded me deeply. I knew that it would take time to heal, but forgiveness was my part of the process and I’d offered it up with complete abandon.
But something was off; it was a sort of niggling in my spirit.
We had never discussed it. I thought we could just move on.
James said we should confess our sins to each other and pray for each other’s healing. I didn’t really think either of us needed to confess sin, but as I prayed through I realized that we needed agreement.
We met at the church late one afternoon. As we sat down, she spoke first. I don’t remember her exact words, but I will never forget her compassion. We cried for the hurt that we had shared and we held each other for a long time as the sunlight streamed though stained glass.
Healing was instant.
To this day, she is one of my biggest cheerleaders. She has an uncanny sense for when I need an encouragement and a text message comes at just the right moment. I have begged God for her physical healing and celebrated with great joy when he answered.
When we come together, God honors our agreements. –Tweet this!
God draws us to transparency with one another; he honors our agreements. In Matthew 18:19-20 Jesus said “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them.”
Let’s pray:
“Father God, thank you for creating us for relationship. In your mercy, reveal any hurting places in my relationships that you desire to heal. Thank you for giving us the keys to walking together with great joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Meet Lorraine Reep
Lorraine is a wife, mom and grandma. She’s a southern woman who blogs about Jesus and family life; she has a passion for mentoring young moms. To read more from Lorraine head over to her blog Grace and Grafitti. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Lorraine’s words encourage us to extend grace and forgiveness in our relationships. It’s amazing how God can heal a broken relationship when we choose to come together as one isn’t it? Thank you for following along today. ~Kelly
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thanks for sharing Lorraine’s story today , relationships can be sticky at times, but we so desperately need them in our life and I love how you put it – there needed to be agreement – God honors our agreements – Amen He sure does. Thank you – your neighbor at #RaRLinkup
You are welcome Debbie. Thanks for stopping by.
What a beautiful story! There is power in agreement. I love the way God helps us through the in’s and out’s of our relationships.
Thanks, Kelly! I’ve learned that he makes beauty in the ashes…every time! Our vulnerability with each other is truly powerful when covered by his grace. 💕