Heaven (Part 3)Намуна

Broken Relationships

Are you suffering from the ache of a broken relationship? Maybe it’s a family member you haven’t spoken to in years, or a friend whose absence still stings.

We can carry the weight of these fractures for a lifetime, hoping for reconciliation, but never quite knowing how to make the first move. Maybe our thoughts are invaded by this question: What if I never get the chance to make it right?

Picture this: a family at a funeral. The air is thick with grief, but beneath the surface, there’s something else – regret. Words that were left unsaid. Apologies that never made it past pride.

In the silence of that moment, you can feel the weight of time that slipped by, and you can’t help but wonder: Could it have been different if someone had reached out?

This is why God’s promise of restoration in Heaven is so breathtaking. In Revelation 21:5, He says, 'I am making all things new' (ESV). Imagine being in Heaven, standing face-to-face with those you’ve loved and lost, and feeling the barriers of hurt, bitterness, or misunderstanding melt away in God’s presence.

Every wound healed. Every broken bond restored. In Heaven, love will no longer be hindered by pride or pain. It will be perfect because we will finally reflect the love of God fully and completely.

But we aren’t in Heaven yet, and that means there’s still time, still opportunity, to act. If you’re holding onto a grudge or waiting for someone else to make the first move, think about this: God didn’t wait for us. 'While we were still sinners, Christ died for us' (Romans 5:8 ESV).

He made the first move, not because we deserved it, but because His love wouldn’t let Him stay distant. What if we followed His example? What if today, instead of waiting, you picked up the phone, wrote the message, or knocked on that door?

Christians get a unique gift! The opportunity to reflect God’s love to the people around us. Sometimes, our step towards reconciliation can do far more than heal a broken relationship. It might just open a door for someone to meet Jesus. Imagine the eternal impact of your decision to reach out.

While we long for restored relationships here, let’s not forget the greatest restoration of all – the one between God and mankind.

Revelation 21:3 paints the most beautiful picture of what’s to come: 'God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God' (NIV). In Heaven, the separation caused by sin will be gone forever.

The relationship that humanity was created for, the one that has been fractured since the Garden of Eden, will finally be restored. We will walk with Him in perfect intimacy, free from shame, guilt, and every barrier that has ever stood in the way.

This is why the RSVP matters so much. Heaven is God’s invitation, but like any invitation, it requires a response. If you have loved ones who don’t know Jesus, now is the time to speak.

Not in a forced or pressured way, but with a heart full of love and grace. Share what He’s done in your life. Let your actions, forgiveness, and faithfulness point them to Him.

Life on Earth is short. The older I become, the more I begin to know that. Don’t let the days slip by in silence or regret. Restore what you can now. Love boldly. Forgive freely. Make sure that those you care about are ready for the ultimate restoration in Heaven.

Reflect

After reading today's devotion, perhaps God has placed someone in your mind and is encouraging you to reconcile with them.

• Could you be the one to make the first move in restoring that relationship?
• As you reach out to them, how could you reflect God's love and help them connect with Him?
• If you're not quite ready to make that first move, could you start by praying for them today?

Pray

Lord, thank You for the promise of restored relationships in Heaven. Help me to make peace with those I’ve fallen out with and to forgive as You have forgiven me. Thank You for the hope of being fully restored to You one day. Give me courage to share my faith and love with those who need it most. Amen.