Forgiving, pt 3
OPENING PRAYER:
Father God teach me from your word today and make my heart like yours. Amen
READ:
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)
REFLECT:
Early in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’ “red letter” words emphasize the importance of restoring relationships- especially those needing reconciliations and forgiveness. In our text today, Jesus raises our relationship with others over our relationship with him. He is not saying it is more important to love people than to love God. Rather, he is saying that real love for God and relationship with him is hampered by broken relationships with others. We must give priority to fixing the former to enrich the later. In Matthew 6:14 (NIV) Jesus says “if you forgive men…. your heavenly father will also forgive you.” Jesus desires our obedience to his command “to love your neighbor as yourself as more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices” (our attempts to show our love to him). Mark 12:33b (NIV) Unforgiveness of others affects our relationship with God.
APPLY:
Did you argue with your spouse or family on the way to church, home team or another function recently? Resolve it before you worship. Have you cheated another, lied about someone, or participated in gossip? Make this right before your daily quiet time or next giving or serving opportunity. It is that important. If you do, your worship will be fuller, your time with God richer and your gift a greater blessing. “Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart….” Psalms 24: 3-4a (NIV)
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be clean before you today in all areas of my life that I may experience richer relationships with you and with others. Amen.
WORSHIP: