"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.
(Matthew 5:23-24)
In a society where being first at any cost is not just accpeted, but taught and preferred, it is a real challenges to
at peace with all people. Yet this is what God desires for His children. (Romans 12:18) When all the dogs of this world seem to be biting at our heels, Christ calls us to be the
peacemeaker. (Matthew 5:9) The one who brings the healing power of Jesus Christ into a situation is that
child of God. Being one with people, especially in the Body is not always easy. No wonder Jesus prayed for
oneness within the Body (John 17:21)
Here is a challenge from the apostle John . . . the
younger one whom Jesus loved . . . who seemed to always be close to Jesus . . .who was now the
elder one:
Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness. Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.
(1 John 2:9-11)
Broken relationships here on earth can lead to a broken relationship with our Savior. We cannot properly grow in our relationship with the Lord if we are
at odds or in
tension with folks here on earth, especially fellow believers. We must be
actively forgiving,
seeking healing, even as God is ready to forgive us. Do we need to make that call, have that conversation, make that lunch meeting? Our realtionships here on earth are an indication of our relationship with our Father.
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