Ending Well

Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:25-32 ESV). Please don’t read anything into these last few devotionals other than they seem to be a natural flow from our study into some of Elisha’s experiences. My health is as good as it has been for several years; retirement is suiting me well. That being said, today I want us to look at ending well. It is important to live well, but, it is also important to die well. The two are intertwined, though often people find a different perspective when the end of life draws near. This is especially true in regard to our relationships in life. A person’s perspective on human relationships often changes drastically as the end of life draws near. The urgency of tying up loose ends is very real. It makes me think we shouldn’t wait until we’re dying to enjoy the blessing that comes from restoring broken relationships. Sometimes I see families come together and work out tough issues; other times I see people hold their ground because they think they are in the right and the other person should make the first move toward reconciliation. Working out these issues often proves to be the difference between a peaceful or difficult death. One of the great things about moving back to Texas is seeing old friends again. I have not gotten around to everyone yet. I certainly hope to do so soon. However, I have noticed that it is pretty easy to pick up where we left off many years ago. Many things have changed in their lives and mine, but the relationship has remained. That’s a principle to develop in your life that will bear good fruit, especially in families. And, it is one of the great works of grace in our lives. Paul points us to the motivation for reconciliation: the reconciling work of Christ. When we don’t forgive, we reduce the impact of the forgiveness Jesus died to give us. Either we haven’t received forgiveness, or we haven’t grasped the totality of God’s grace. When we really understand God’s forgiveness, we begin to extend it to others more liberally. The main opponent to forgiveness is pride, which tells us to hold out and fight for our rights. The result of such pride at the end of life is usually regret and unhappiness. Don’t wait! Thank God for the forgiveness he offers and then begin the task of making things right with those in your life. It brings peace, gives comfort, and honors God. When we get to heaven, none of us will be able to boast of being “right.” Trust that to the Lord. It is above all of our pay grades to judge another.