January 17th, 2022 – Be Reconciled
Experiencing God Devotional
Matthew 5:24 -“Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
It is useless to give offerings to God while you are at enmity with your brother. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has something against them. The world seeks reconciliation on limited terms. Christians are to be reconciled, whatever it takes.
You say, “But you don’t know how deeply he hurt me! It’s unreasonable to ask me to restore our relationship.” Or, “I tried but she would not be appeased.” Jesus did not include an exception clause for our reconciliation. If the person is an enemy, Jesus said to love him. (Matt. 5:44). If he persecutes you, you are to pray for him. If she publicly humiliates you, you are not to retaliate (Matt. 5:39). If someone takes advantage of you, you are to give even more than he asks (Matt. 5:41). The world preaches “Assert yourself.” Jesus taught, “Deny yourself.” The world warns that you will be constantly exploited. Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples be treated fairly but that they show unconditional love to others regardless of how they are treated. Men spat upon Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. His response was our model: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).
If there were ever a command that is constantly disobeyed, it is this mandate to be reconciled. We comfort ourselves with the thought, “God knows that I tried to make things right, but my enemy refused.” God’s Word does not say “Try to be reconciled,” but “Be reconciled.” Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? Then do what God tells you to do.
Blackaby, Richard. Experiencing God Day By Day (p. 18). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.
Pastor’s Thoughts
The world is all about vengeance these days. I suppose it always has been. If someone wrongs me then I will make them pay. The sad truth is that many Christians behave the same way. Jesus is our example, how did He handle people who had wronged Him? He forgave them. He loved them. He prayed for them. He even served them.
At the times where everyone else would retaliate we must be willing to do as Jesus did. We must be willing to forgive, to love, to pray for, and to serve those who wrong us.
That will make sure our light shines bright enough for people to notice. People will want to know how could you forgive them, how could you pray for them, how could you serve them, how could you love them… even after what they did to you. That will be your opportunity to tell them about what Jesus did for you even after you did what you did and yet He still forgave you, He still loved you, He still prayed for you, and He still loved you!
That is the kind of love that can move the world towards God’s Kingdom! Let’s all choose to love like Jesus.
Have a blessed Monday everyone! I hope and pray you all had a wonderful Lord’s day yesterday.
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