Relationships are not something we can live without – We were created for them! However, if relationships are not healthy, they can be the very death of us! It is, therefore, of great importance to know and use sound relational repair, and restoration skills in the building of your relationship with others in your life.

 I’m a veteran care-fronter who has learned much from my persistent trouble-making nature. Seriously, without help from the Holy Spirit I am no better than an accident looking for a new place to happen. So, my response to this sad reality is to learn as much as possible from Scripture, the Holy Spirit, from others, and my everyday relational experiences (both, good and bad). Choosing to see myself as a life-long learner has helped me to become a better care-fronter.

What have I learnt? I have learned that the following care-frontation principles work in every relationship; at all times; in all cultures, and in all nationalities:

1.  Your relationship with God must be right. If not, make it right!
2.  Your motivation must be the well-being of the other person.
3.  Care-frontation cannot be achieved in human strength alone – Wisdom and ability is available from the Holy Spirit who resides in you (believers).
4.  Don’t discount that the cause of conflict may have resulted from a wrongful act of commission or omission by you… not the other person!
5.  Don’t wait for the other person to initiate reconciliation… you do it!
6.   Accept responsibility for your part, and be ready to ask for forgiveness.
7.   The sooner you initiate care-frontion the better (Ephesians 4:26).
8.    At all times be gentle, sincere, sensitive, and humble.
9.    Use your ears to listen and learn, more than your mouth to speak.
10.   Pray before, during, and after – This is an essential key for success!

 Healthy relationships are growing relationships (not static). Whenever conflict is managed in the right way… God’s way, the experience results in the opening of a passageway that leads both parties into deeper and more satisfying intimacy with each another. This is what the Holy Spirit wants for you! While Satan is the destroyer of relationships, the Holy Spirit is the Restorer-Renovator.

Friends, we have been created for and commanded to “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). Please hear me; you cannot possibly love your neighbour as yourself without using the above (and other) care-frontation skills.