Spiritual Siblings

Everyone has people in their life that they are in varying degrees of conflict with. This could be any of the following:

• This person deliberately or accidentally did or said something to make you mad. Or maybe they don't do or say things that they should.
  
  
• Some people we like or respect, but for some reason we just know that the feeling unfortunately isn't mutual.
  
  
• Other people we just don't particularly care for. There isn't a clear, obvious reason. And nothing in particular is causing a conflict per se, but there is a general personality clash or maybe there just aren't enough common interests to bond with them over.
  

The list could go on and on. But if the other person is a Christian, you might find it immensely useful to try thinking of them as Christ described his followers - as brothers and sisters to one another.

I can almost guarantee that it will help give you a whole new perspective on people. After all, how much more grace and forgiveness are you willing to offer your family members than to someone else? How much more do you also desire their success and well being? And isn't it easier to approach and talk with your family about things that are bothering you, especially compared to someone that you may not know terribly well?

Now try thinking of that other annoying/offensive person as your estranged brother or sister and see how much easier and/or important it will feel for you to make amends, confront them with your grievance, and/or grow closer to them.