One of my husband’s colleagues at the end of his life, when he knew his days were numbered, decided to visit and reconcile with everyone he held a grudge against or had difficult feelings or resentment towards. Those people he did not want to speak to because anger and upset feelings would arise: Was he maltreated? Was he jealous? Did he failed to seek harmony and peace and love, to go the extra mile and go over the hurt coming from the others?
 
What he knew was that he was not going to take his house or savings or car with him, and he would be separated for some time from his spouse and family and friends.
 
He knew like a certainty deep down in his guts that he needed repentance, and most of all, to forgive and reconcile. This is why he went and visited many people. He did not want to break Heavenly laws. He wanted to be clear and free before God.
 
This action brought calm to his restless heart and a sense of wellbeing; no need to take heavy, ugly, spiritual baggage with him.
 
Myself, I fought my spiritual battles with numerous family members to achieve peace through service. I try to love my in-laws as much as my husband loves them or more. I kept reminding him to visit, to call, to free his schedule for them. One time I felt rejected by everyone, but Dietrich’s sister, Gisela, and I became best friends through working our way through differences to reconciliation. My own brother deeply hurt me. I repented and cried to God about this point.
 
Family conflict started at the beginning of history and multiplies to this day. The one who includes God, our Heavenly Parent, will have a better chance to resolve conflicts. We will have the power to forgive all: Koreans and Japanese, French and Germans, blacks and whites, and others.
 
God will give us direction, grace and power and forgiveness, as long as we are seeking Him. In God we trust.
 
May God bless you and your family.
Your friend Elisabeth