EMPOWERING LIVES WITH PURPOSE:
“Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and then 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)
Life can be hard sometimes, especially when we think we are right and justified. But Jesus calls us to “make the first move.” Sometimes, it’s very difficult to step out in Faith and do what He has commanded us to do. It’s not enough for us to whisper forgiveness into the darkness or just think about it in our minds, saying we’ve “already” done it.
In the past, I had to learn what true forgiveness was. It wasn’t easy when I was wronged and felt the other person was all to blame for their bad behavior. Jesus would exhort me to go to the person for whatever the grudge I had, or whatever resentment I harbored against them, or the anger that raged or even bitterness that built up inside me. I had to make the first move toward reconciliation and understand it was what God commanded me to do. Not just an “ask” command, and if I refused, He would not hear my prayers.
This may not be easy for some of us to read… Jesus tells us “stop praying” because God cannot hear us over the hardness of our hearts. When I learned this many years ago, I vowed back then to confess anything I harbored and to NEVER allow anger or bitterness or any of it to fester up inside me again and asked Him to please make me aware if it did. I asked God to forgive me! I also asked Him to always direct me and keep me in the right standing and relationship with Him. It’s a prayer that’s needed; ask Him to help you.
When you confess, make things right, and make every effort in reconciliation, you are clear to return to the altar and to be heard by God with a clear conscience and a clean heart.
Forgive me for being so blunt, but this is a serious matter before God. Forgiveness is that important! I know someone needs to hear this today, and I pray for you as I share it. God says in His Word…
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, you’re heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14-15)
This truth is clearly affirmed by God and meant to help you in your right relationship with Him. ❤️