Biblical Answer

The Power of Choice in Restoring Relationships

When we're feeling guilty, it's natural to wonder if our daily choices can bring new life to our relationships. The answer is yes, but it requires a willingness to trust in the transformative power of God. As the Bible teaches, "if you are really going to try to meet all the demands made on the natural self, it will not have enough left over to live on" (2 Corinthians 1:8). This means that our attempts to manage our guilt and shame through our own efforts will ultimately lead to burnout and unhappiness.

However, when we choose to obey our conscience and trust in God's sovereignty, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing healing and restoration in our relationships. This is because God is the one who can "heal the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3). When we surrender our guilt and shame to Him, He can bring about a new era of peace and forgiveness in our relationships. As the Bible says, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). This means that our choices to confess and forgive can bring about a new level of intimacy and connection with others.

Ultimately, the power of choice in restoring relationships is rooted in our decision to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. When we choose to obey our conscience and trust in Him, we open ourselves up to the possibility of experiencing healing and restoration in our relationships. This is not a one-time event, but rather a process of ongoing surrender and trust. As we continue to choose to forgive and trust in God, we can experience a deeper level of intimacy and connection with others, and our relationships can be transformed in profound ways.