"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." Matt.5:23-24
Aloha
Friends: Last week I shared a little about God cleansing His Bride(us) in preparation for greater oneness with Him
and for what He desires to do for us and through us. As I said one of the ways this takes place is through "the
washing of water by the Word". When we allow the Word of God to become active in our lives, when we apply
the scriptures and not simply know them in our minds, we are changed. Jesus said, "The words that
I speak to you are spirit and they are life." John 6:63
The Holy Spirit
seems to be emphasizing Forgiveness (when is He not?) and reconciliation of relationships
in the Body of Christ. The Scriptures from Matt. 5:23-24 give us some practical instruction in this regard. I know it is all
too easy to have the attitude that time will heal a damaged relationship or to think that a brother or sister offended will
just "get over it", but experience and moreover the Bible(the expression
of God's heart) seem to say otherwise. It seems like Jesus is saying to His disciples that God doesn't really
want(or need) your sacrifice or offering or ministry until you are reconciled
to your brother or sister. Wow! Maybe I've had my priorities mixed up! If getting my relationship straight with my
brethren is God's Priority apparently I should make it mine. How many of us are offering up things to God
when we know someone has something against us and we've glossed it over, justified our position(maybe we were right), or put
off reconciling because we were too busy or worse yet-too prideful.
Lately(and I guess since
God began restoring my life), I have been trying to walk out these things. I know I have a long way to go
but I also know that the Lord has great favor for me and all of us in this regard. After all, isn't He all
about reconciliation? Would you all join me in taking some time to allow the Holy Spirit to search
our hearts and bring to mind those who may have something against us(right or wrong) and for Him to show us how we can humble
ourselves and get reconciled with one another? It won't be easy
but it wasn't easy for Jesus to bring about our reconciliation either. Let's follow in His footsteps. Then our "offerings"
will be acceptable and have so much more meaning. You will be surprised what a blessing He commands when "brethren
walk together in unity".
If I have done anything to offend any of you, please
tell me so that I might ask your forgiveness and that we may be one and God may be glorified.
