Aim For Restoration

Restoration 

noun res·to·ra·tion \ˌres-tə-ˈrā-shən\

-the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc. 

-the act of bringing back something that existed before
-the act of returning something that was stolen or taken

Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.~ 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV 

As I was unpacking this gem- the Lord spoke to my heart.  

He said: Restoration, like Redemption, the art of making something better, is the aim.  It doesn’t mean it will always be restored the way you think.  
To be perfect, as other translations use in place of “aim for restoration“, is to be knit together in love.  You can love someone and let go of the grudge, You can pray for them and be grateful for the memories but trust God ultimately for when and if He chooses to restore that relationship.  

Here is more in depth commentary on the verse: 

Thus the apostle concludes this epistle with a valediction. He gives them a parting farewell, and takes his leave of them for the present, with hearty good wishes for their spiritual welfare. 

In order to this,

1. He gives them several good exhortations.

1.) To be perfect, or to be knit together in love, which would tend greatly to their advantage as a church, or Christian society. 

2.) To be of good comfort under all the sufferings and persecutions they might endure for the cause of Christ or any calamities and disappointments they might meet with in the world. 

3.) To be of one mind, which would greatly tend to their comfort; for the more easy we are with our brethren the more ease we shall have in our own souls. 

The apostle would have them, as far as was possible, to be of the same opinion and judgment; however, if this could not be attained, yet, 

4.) He exhorts them to live in peace, that difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections—that they should be at peace among themselves. He would have all the schisms that were among them healed, that there should be no more contention and wrath found among them, to prevent which they should avoid debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, and such like enemies to peace.

2. He encourages them with the promise of God’s presence among them: The God of love and peace shall be with you, v. 11. 

Note, 

(1.) God is the God of love and peace. He is the author of peace, and lover of concord. He hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us; he commands us to love him, and to be reconciled to him, and also that we love one another, and be at peace among ourselves. 

(2.) God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will love those who love peace; he will dwell with them here, and they shall dwell with him for ever. Such shall have God’s gracious presence here, and be admitted to his glorious presence hereafter. ~ Matthew Henry Complete Commentary 

Sadly, so many have missed the Memo that:

difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections—

                          Live in Love!

Let go of the grudge and Aim for Restoration! 

If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. ~ Romans 12:18 

              ~ XXOO Michelle Bollom