The work of righteousness

“The work of righteousness will be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.” (Isaiah 32:17)

The change that we need in any relationship will begin with us. We can spend more time questioning or blaming the person in our relationships than seeking God’s righteousness. Blaming may feel good in the moment, but it's dangerous because it can lead to anger and resentment.
 
Dr. Gottman, an expert on relationships, believes that conflict is not a bad thing in relationships. He believes that the saving grace in any relationship is not the conflict but how we repair the conflict. He contends that people who have mastered healthy relationships are the ones who “take responsibility for their role in the issue and change their behavior.”

“Instead of criticizing the people in our lives, let’s remind them of all the things we appreciate about them. When people feel criticized, disliked, and unappreciated they feel under siege and dig in to protect themselves.” A flurry of misspoken words and actions can ensue. In those moments we may think that it’s impossible to take responsibility and walk in God’s righteousness, when we are hurting ourselves. Yet, we know all things are possible with God. 

Charles Spurgeon preached this advice, get as much light in us as we can, which allows us to see ourselves and not look upon the wrongdoing of others. “The housewife, when she is busy about her house, with curtains drawn, she may have dusted all the tables, and think everything looks clean; but she opens a little corner of the window, and in streams a ray of light, in which ten thousand grains of dust are dancing up and down. ‘Ah!’ She thinks, ‘my room is not as clean as I thought it was. There is still more dust.’ Now, endeavor to resist judging others, but allow the Holy Spirit to stream into our hearts and it will help us to detect our own shortcomings. Detection is half of the cure.” Taking responsibility and submitting them to God is the other.

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17, KJV)

GiGi❤️

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