Reclaiming What’s Broken: Restoring Your Connections
Repairing the Damage Left by the Fall, One Relationship at a Time
"They shall build up the ancient ruins...repair the ruined cities." —Isaiah 61:4
Brothers, it’s time to take action. If we’re honest, we all know that our world—and our lives—bear the scars of broken relationships. Since the beginning, when sin entered our story, three vital connections fractured: our relationship with God, our relationship with ourselves, and our relationship with others. These aren’t minor cracks; they’re deep wounds that affect every area of our lives. And as men of God, it’s our responsibility to start the restoration process.
But here’s the good news: Jesus didn’t leave us guessing on how to begin this work. He gave us two clear instructions that, if followed, cover every relationship we need to rebuild. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-39). Right there, He lays out the blueprint: love God, love others, and yes, love yourself as part of God’s creation. It’s all-encompassing, straightforward, and essential.
Are we willing to reclaim what’s broken? Are we prepared to take the steps needed to repair these foundational relationships? This work isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Let’s break it down and take an honest look at each area of restoration.
Step 1: Rebuilding Your Relationship with God
If we’re going to repair anything in our lives, this is where we start. We restore our connection with God by softening our hearts, choosing to trust Him above all else, and committing to obedience. It’s easy to say we trust God, but real trust requires us to lean on Him more than we lean on our own understanding or strength.
James 4:8 tells us, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This is a promise. When we actively pursue God, when we choose to make time with Him a priority, He meets us where we are. It’s in these moments—quiet times of prayer, reading His Word, worship—that our hearts are softened, our faith strengthened, and our obedience renewed.
If your connection with God feels strained, start here. Spend time daily, even if it’s just a few minutes, inviting Him into your life and asking for a heart of obedience. Let Him reshape and restore that relationship one day at a time.
Step 2: Restoring Your Relationship with Yourself
The second area that needs attention is our relationship with ourselves. This isn’t about self-absorption; it’s about aligning how we see ourselves with how God sees us. We restore our relationship with ourselves when we stop living under self-condemnation, pride, or addiction.
Too many of us carry burdens of guilt, shame, or even self-hate. Or, we battle with addictions—whether to work, substances, or destructive habits—that keep us from fully living out God’s purpose. But the truth is, you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). God calls us to care for ourselves, not to indulge our every desire, but to be healthy, whole, and ready to fulfill the purpose He’s given us. That means facing down the things that weigh us down and letting go of what keeps us trapped.
Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” If there’s a particular area where you’re struggling—whether it’s addiction, self-doubt, or pride—take it to God. Seek His help, and don’t be afraid to reach out to a trusted brother who can walk this journey with you. Freedom is possible, but it requires humility and surrender.
Step 3: Rebuilding Your Relationships with Others
Finally, we are called to restore our relationships with others. This is where faith gets real. Rebuilding our relationships with other people requires a soft heart and a willingness to extend grace, even when it’s hard. We’re talking about forgiveness, reconciliation, and loving others even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
Colossians 3:13 instructs us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Restoration with others doesn’t mean we forget the past, but it does mean we choose to move beyond it. We choose to build relationships based on love, compassion, and forgiveness—not grudges, bitterness, or judgment.
Look around, brother. Is there a relationship in your life that needs mending? Someone who hurt you or someone you hurt? Take a step today, whether it’s a conversation, a prayer, or an act of kindness. Restoration isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing commitment to live out God’s love in our relationships.
What’s Your Next Move?
Brother, it’s time to reclaim what’s broken. Take a moment to survey your life. Where is the most work needed—your relationship with God, with yourself, or with others? Don’t rush through this. Take time in prayer and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Identify the area that needs your focus, and commit to taking action this week.
If your connection with God feels strained, draw near to Him with an open heart. If you’re struggling with self-condemnation or addiction, face it head-on with God’s strength. If a relationship with someone else needs repair, step out in faith and make the first move toward healing.
Share in the comments below: Which relationship are you working on restoring, and what’s your first step?
Your brother in Christ,
Matthew Adams
