Topic: Matthew 5:23-24 [John Hagee Devotional 10 March 2020]
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Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you … first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Jesus practiced a principle that few of us wish to embrace. While we were still sinners, He laid down His life for our forgiveness. He went first.
When it comes to forgiveness, we need to make the first move. When an impasse occurs, we must take the first step to be reconciled to the person with whom we have a point of contention.
Jesus said that, if we come to His altar to offer up our prayers and gifts, and we remember that someone has something against us, we should stop. We should leave our gift lying on the altar and first make every effort to be reconciled to that person. Only then is God’s ear bent towards us.
Whatever grudge, resentment or anger lies between us and another person … lies between us and God too. Our feet should rush to be first in forgiveness. Even if that person is not ready for resolution, we are able to return to the altar with a clear conscience and a clean heart.
Knock on a door, make a phone call or write a letter today. Apologize, shake a hand or shed some tears in the fight for reconciliation. You go first!
Blessing:
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you His peace. May forgiveness start a revolution of love from heart to heart, home to home, and church to church until the whole world knows Jesus as the Prince of Peace!
Today’s Bible Reading:
Old Testament
Numbers 14:1-15:16
New Testament
Mark 14:52-72
Psalms & Proverbs
Psalm 53:1-6
Proverbs 11:4