Here’s something we don’t think about enough – but should! How you treat those you are in relationship with influences the relationship you have with God. Jesus spelled it out clearly: ‘If you bring your gift to the altar [if you serve in the church, pay particular attention here!], and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift’ (vv. 23-24 NKJV). Jesus commands the offender, even if the offence was unintentional, to take the initiative in healing and restoring the relationship. That calls for true humility. Max Lucado writes: ‘You may find this hard to believe, but not everyone likes the preacher. There are times when I misstep or misspeak and incur the displeasure of a parishioner. In the early years of my ministry, when I got wind of someone’s unhappiness, I dismissed the problem. “If he doesn’t bring it to me, then I have no hand in the matter.” But then I read Jesus’ words…Jesus commands the offender to take the initiative. I find that passage to be quite unpleasant. Even so, I have tried to apply it to my fragile friendships. “Bob,” I have enquired, “have I said something to upset you?” “Mary, there seems to be tension between us. Are we okay?” Without fail, the step has resulted in restoration. Never in my four decades of ministry has this practical teaching failed to achieve its goal. When Scripture is mixed with obedience, a healing elixir results.’ So the word for today is – try for reconciliation.

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.