During our first year of marriage, my wife and I were learning how to bring two different personalities into one home. There was laughter, closeness, and the occasional moment when one of us had to raise a delicate subject.
One day, I thought I had found such a subject.
“Honey, I really appreciate you doing the laundry. But could I ask a favor? Could you run my clothes a little less in the dryer? I think the heat is shrinking them.”
My new bride smiled. “Of course, honey. I’ll make sure I don’t run the dryer too long.”
Months later, I discovered the truth. My clothes weren’t shrinking. My waistline was expanding. My wife had known all along. She had also been kind enough to let me discover it for myself. That little misunderstanding still makes me laugh. But it reminds me how easily we can become convinced we know what is wrong. We see the evidence, reach a conclusion, and may never think to ask whether we have missed something.
Some disagreements are far more serious than laundry. Even Paul and Barnabas, who had served God together, had a sharp disagreement over whether to take John Mark on another missionary journey. Barnabas wanted Mark to come. Paul objected because Mark had left them during an earlier journey. Their disagreement became so strong that they went their separate ways (Acts 15:36–40).
Scripture does not tell us that every wound between them was healed, or how it happened. But it does give us a remarkable later glimpse of Paul’s changed view of Mark. Near the end of his life, Paul wrote:
Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 (NKJV)
The man Paul once refused to take along was someone he now wanted beside him.
When a relationship is strained, I may be certain of my own account. Yet God can help me listen more carefully, admit what I got wrong, and leave room for another person to grow. Reconciliation may take time, and it does not always happen as we hope. Still, I can take responsibility for the part that belongs to me.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 12:18 (NKJV)
Is there a conversation you have been avoiding because you are sure you already know the whole story? Ask God to show you what you may have missed. Then, as far as it depends on you, take a step toward peace.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
#faith #trustinggod #christianity #jesuschrist #bible #seekinggodswill #truth #sanctification #godisincontrol #godhearsourprayers #salvation #providenceofGod #yourerunningthedryertoolong #Romans12:18
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I was so sure the dryer was shrinking my clothes that I never considered another explanation! It’s a funny memory, but it still makes me wonder: when a disagreement feels obvious to me, what might I be missing?
Is there someone you’ve been able to understand differently after taking a second look?