PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 5:21-26
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:24)
Jesus points behind the command not to kill to the hurtful root behind killing.
Murder is a fruit of a deeper root, an unloving feeling or attitude about someone.
It is the hurtful anger behind calling people names, and not the names themselves.
It is the hurtful refusal to reconcile, not just the technical settling of matters.
The heart of God and Jesus is the longing for peace and reconciliation.
There is so much hate and hurt in our world, when will it ever end?
Only when God’s creation leaders stop hating and hurting others!!!
We need to break the cycle of hate and hurt and pursue healing and peace.
Jesus came to save us from sin – not just its guilt but also its grip.
To believe in Jesus is not just about accepting His forgiveness.
It is about joining Him, with His help, to ending the sin that needs to be forgiven.
Who do you have a bad attitude or feeling about, who are you causing hurt to?
Who is Jesus asking you to go to, to do what you can to heal a broken relationship?
Jesus is inviting us to step into grace – not just receive it, but give it as well!
PRAYER
Lord, the hate and the violence must stop. Too many people are dying, too many people are hurting. Lord, let there be peace on earth (as it is in heaven), and let it begin with me.
Like festering wounds are thoughts that linger when I’m angry or disappointed in someone or when someone has unfairly treated/criticized/represented me. Letting too much time go without dealing with it makes matters worse – I need to confront it – internally and if possible externally as well. There are memories of wounds of long ago that remind me not to let things fester – not to let anger take charge. Instead of attributing blame or hurting back – I need to focus on the learning and be ready to forgive.
Love God. Love your neighbour. That’s the summary of living for Jesus.
And as far as it depends upon me, I need to live at peace with all. That means the JOY principle = Jesus first – Others second – You/Me in last place. And that is a tall order.
My thoughts and deeds and words need to show the love of God.
And I need to make the first step in reconciliation.
I need to be a peace maker.
1
O Master, let me walk with Thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.
2
Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the Godward way.
3
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.
4
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.
Lord Jesus, help me to deal with my relationships in healthy ways. Help me to resolve conflicts and differences with peace, compassion and understanding so that they don’t become bigger than they ought. Help me to love my neighbour.