Scripture to Read: Matthew 5:23–24
We started to examine Matthew 5:23–24 yesterday about how to handle reconciling with someone who has something against us. Whether we have offended someone on purpose, accidentally, or been falsely accused of something that offended someone, we must respond similarly for all three instances. Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:24, “leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.” Jesus is telling us that as His Holy Spirit reveals to us that we have someone holding something against us, we must be the one to go and seek reconciliation. To do this in a way that honors our Lord, we must first ask ourselves how we can “Glorify God” in the reconciling process. We must walk in God's Truth to glorify Him, no matter the conflict. Second, we must “Get the log out of our eye.” We must ask ourselves, “How have I contributed to this conflict and what must I do to help resolve it?” Third, I must seek to “Gently restore everyone involved.” I must ask myself, “Since they feel offended, how can I lovingly serve them and seek to be restored to them?” Finally, I must “Go and seek reconciliation.” If I have offended others, I must receive the fullness of God’s forgiveness and encourage a reasonable solution to this conflict. These four steps are called the “4 G’s” to reconciliation and come from “PeaceMaking Principles” (https://www.peacemakerministries.org/). PeaceMaker Ministries is an excellent resource to help people reconcile in a biblical manner that honors our Lord.
Challenge & Application
· What did our Lord teach you about reconciling biblically with those who have been offended?
· How can you apply these principles and honor the Lord next time you need to be reconciled to someone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!