THURSDAY February 27, 2020
Show Forgiveness and Be Reconciled
“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24
Jesus taught another important concept of forgiveness and reconciliation. When you come to church, and all of a sudden you remember that your brother has something against you, before giving a gift to the Lord, first be reconciled to your brother or sister. God will not accept your gift until you have made things right between yourself and them. Do not run away from these situations. Ask God to help you. Understand, you cannot have hatred or anger in your heart towards someone. To the best of your ability, you need to reconcile.
I have found there to be so many problems within families. It is possible that you may have something against someone in your family, or someone in your family has something against you. If you have done something against them, then make it right. Try to do what is right, and if they choose not to forgive you, then you have done your best. Leave it in the hands of the Lord. God will now accept your gift, and you can fellowship with the Lord.
When families separate because of offenses, the division and unforgiveness becomes such a bad witness to their children. Cousins become separated from their other cousins. That is not right. Imagine, these children want to grow up together and love each another. It is so sad. When families get mad at each other, the children can get poisoned by their parents and grow up hating each other. According to God, that should never be. Families should never become separated––they should forgive and reconcile.
We cannot pray in love and live in hate and still think we are worshipping God.
~A.W. Tozer~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!