Matthew 5:23,24
"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift." NIV
"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." KJV
Before we can give of ourselves to God in any way, be it service, time, talents, or finances, we are to carefully search our hearts to know if there is anyone in our lives we have wronged or hurt in any way. Surprisingly, any hurts or wrongs held against us may not have been intentional on our part, but we have the knowledge that we are being held responsible for the hurt and wrong. For whatever reason, as obedient children of God, we are to wait before giving to God, and seek to mend the hurt and wrong held against us. The Lord finds favor in this action. He says to make peace as much as is in our power to do. Then we can freely give Him our gifts and they will be a sweet aroma to Him.
Heavenly Father, help us to reach out in love to those we have hurt and wronged, intentionally or unintentionally. Give us hearts of humility as we ask for forgiveness and prepare the hearts of those we have wronged to accept and forgive. We know You are the God who unites those who love You. We pray this in Jesus' name, Amen.
©2011
Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC
No Copyright Infringement Intended
Personal Use Only
No comments:
Post a Comment