What did Jesus say?
Be reconciled
- Matthew 5:23-25 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
In Other Text:
- 1 John 4:20-21: If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.
- Psalm 37:37: Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace.
Challenge:
God has created and loves each person in His creation…
Like any caring and loving parent, He wants His kids to have strong, healthy relationships that reflect their love for Him and each other. Jesus said “the world will know we are Christ followers by the love we have for one another”. Nothing is more attractive than a happy, healthy, loving family!
With this in mind, Jesus reminds us to face family challenges head-on. He does not want us to continue with the routine of “religion”, putting on a show, acting like nothing is going on when we have an issue with someone in the family. We need to courageously connect with each other with humble hearts and open minds, being willing to accept the humanity in ourselves and others, and choose to forgive as we have been freely forgiven by Jesus.
Reconciliation has to be a priority in our daily lives. Take some time to review your relationships, are there areas where reconciliation is needed?
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