How Would You Personally Define Compatibility?

You may have seen TV commercials of couples testifying they have the perfect soulmate. 

However compatibility, at whatever level, must be consistently nurtured or else it loses its strength to stay fresh and fulfilling.

How could this possibly happen? Changes occur in the way individuals perceive each other. What was once an adored and loved personality trait may over time lose its luster and attractiveness. Focusing on what has become undesirable diminishes compatibility.

Can compatibility be restored? Relationships and people change in ways that make it possible for insight and wisdom to replace what has become objectionable. God’s love internalized makes forgiveness and restoration desirable. Jeremiah 31:33 is encouraging. “I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I will continue my faithfulness to you.” Live in that reality now.  

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But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

~Romans 5:8 New International Version

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An Amazing Expression of Love: Forgiveness

Joseph forgave his brothers for the suffering he endured because he chose to be free of anger and resentment. Joseph could have punished them severely but instead chose to give them freedom by forgiving them. In doing so, he gave himself the gift of happiness as well as the gift of freedom from anger and bitterness. 

Forgiveness is an expression of love that puts another person's feelings, needs and happiness on par with oneself. The objective is an enhanced quality of life that forgiveness brings to oneself and others. Love may be the most important component of forgiveness because it requires a demonstration of mercy and compassion.

To accomplish this task, remember: forgiveness is never given nor received without sacrificing something of yourself. The Lord God paid a profound price to forgive and cleanse us from sin by sending Jesus to die on the cross for our redemption. As we have received God’s forgiveness, let us freely extend forgiveness to others.  

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Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.

~Genesis 50:19-21 New Living Translation

Yet the proof of God’s amazing love is this: it was while we were sinners that Christ died for us.

~Romans 5:8 Phillips – The New Testament in Modern English

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

~Luke 23:34 New International Version