Your Identity in Christ
• In Christ, I am an ambassador to whom He has committed the message of reconciliation. Since God does not count people’s sins against them in Christ, I too will forgive in Jesus’ name.
Matthew 18:15
If your brother (or sister) sins, go and point out his fault, just between the two of you.
~ Jesus
Matthew 5:23-24
If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother (or sister) has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to him; then come and offer your gift…
~ Jesus
We often think of reconcilers as third parties between two other conflicting sets of people. But in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He reminds us that we are first to be reconcilers within our own world -- even before we come and offer a gift to God (Matthew 5:24).
We are first to be reconciled to each other. We are first to be reconcilers in our personal lives. A gift offered to the Lord while unreconciled to our brothers is contrary to God's teaching.
Maybe one of the best gifts we can offer God is a freshly reconciled relationship with a brother or sister of whom we had a previously unaddressed – now addressed – issue.
Prayer
Father God, foster within me the idea of being a reconciler and peacemaker for You – and help me practice in my own life what I preach to others. In Jesus I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:137-144 (Tsadhe, 18th letter)
- You are righteous, LORD,
and your laws are right. - The statutes you have laid down
are righteous; they are fully trustworthy. - My zeal wears me out,
for my enemies ignore your words. - Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.
- Though I am lowly and despised,
I do not forget your precepts. - Your righteousness is everlasting
and your law is true. - Trouble and distress have come upon me,
but your commands give me delight. - Your statutes are always righteous;
give me understanding that I may live.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Ephesians 5:15-18
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as
wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the
days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand
what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which
leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Psalm 32:8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
The writer speaks of late nights and early mornings spent in God’s Word. At this time of your life, what part of your day/week is carved out for God’s Word? If you don’t have a time carved out, make that change now.