'Are you feeling overwhelmed by the hard work relationships require? If so, are you ready for this last fact: The shattered relationship between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at the cross provides the basis for reconciliation. No other relationship has ever suffered more than what Father, Son, and Holy Spirit endured when Jesus hung on the cross and cried, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Matthew 27:46). Jesus was willing to be the rejected Son so that our families would know reconciliation. Jesus was willing to become the forsaken friend so that we could have loving friendships. Jesus was willing to the rejected Lord so that we could live in loving submission to one another. Jesus was willing to be the forsaken brother so that we could have godly relationships. Jesus was willing to be the crucified king so that our communities would experience peace.'
Timothy Lane and Paul Tripp, Relationships: A Mess Worth Making, p.13.
