Dear Pastors & Church Leaders,

I trust this message finds you well in your ministerial endeavors. Today, I'd like to share a personal story that holds valuable insights for us as follow-up ministers, especially when it comes to addressing reconciliation needs within our congregations.

As someone who's been blessed with the role of father, husband, and guide, I've faced my share of challenges and blessings, often in equal measure. The dynamics of my family, which includes two daughters, a wife, and even a female dog, have taught me lessons that I believe are worth sharing with you all.

Recently, circumstances brought my relationship with my eldest daughter to a crossroads. Our bond was tested when we relocated closer to her after becoming empty nesters. It was a rocky phase, marked by misunderstandings and unresolved issues. As you might have experienced, the emotional impact of these situations can be profound. However, rather than letting frustration dictate my actions, I decided to seek a path of healing.

Therapy was an option we explored, but it was something else that truly ignited the process of reconciliation. Through prayer and seeking divine guidance, I was reminded of Colossians 3:12-14, ESV. This scripture offered profound wisdom in three key aspects:

• Conviction of the Heart (Verse 12): I was reminded that being chosen by God and beloved, my heart should be convicted to exhibit attributes such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. As I prayed these qualities over my family, a transformation began to take shape.
• Action of the Heart (Verse 13): This verse emphasized the importance of forgiving one another, mirroring the forgiveness we receive from the Lord. By applying this principle, I took action toward reconciliation, extending grace and understanding to my daughter.
• Promise for the Heart (Verse 14): The ultimate promise of harmony was found in verse 14, which encouraged us to put on love, a binding force that brings everything together in perfect harmony. As I prayed and shared this scripture with my family, the promised harmony gradually unfolded.

What's remarkable is that these insights not only worked within my own family but extended to others. My daughter and her fiancé were facing difficulties with her future mother-in-law. As I presented the same scriptures to them, they too recognized the guidance within these verses.

By breaking down each line, they saw the relevance of the scripture in their situation:

• Are you chosen by God?
• Are you holy and beloved?
• Then, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience are expected.

By guiding them through these questions, I helped them identify actions to take and promises to anticipate.

As follow-up ministers, there will be times when our guidance is needed in family situations. We might not always have the lead pastor available, but we have something even greater: a shepherd's heart and the Word of God. Just as Jesus reconciled us to the Father, we have the honor of facilitating reconciliation within our congregations.

**Founder’s Corner - Let's remember the importance of our ministry, reminding people of their identity in Christ and the promises that await them when they place their trust in Him. We have the privilege of being instruments of healing, helping mend relationships and guiding hearts back to harmony.**