A brother came to me grumbling about a situation which of course included people. Some people were making decisions apart from him, without his input.
Have you ever felt un-included – left out, not befriended or accepted. OUCH! The feeling and experience of rejection is like a dagger piercing the soul. [...]

As I was running midday, the heat scorching, the pavement on fire, each stride felt like my muscles were deteriorating. I was only on my 3rd mile, but the hills seem to be winning over my resistance.
As other times when I’ve felt this way, I told myself, “This is a mind game! I’m [...]

All sin stained, imperfect people like me, deal with internal conflict. This can take on features such as dealing with worldly attitudes, greed, jealousy, pride, lusts, etc. Or it can surface through relational strife as a result of bitterness, unresolved tensions and unforgiveness.

Don’t let internal conflicts [IC] go unattended.
Identify the IC
Confront the IC
Repent [...]

Discerning hearts involved in situations where lying, deception, calloused hearts, self centeredness in relationships exists, can be very difficult. When someone feels embittered, offended and lacking trust in another, the ministry of reconciliation can be tiresome and downright hard!
This is where Paul’s note to Titus reveals wisdom to our hearts to handle relationships wisely.
Titus [...]