Biblical Teachings on Prayer
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 them; then come and offer your gift.
~ Jesus
Pondering Point
Because outsiders watch, it is imperative that we take reconciliation seriously among ourselves – and in relation to outsiders. This is a major complaint from non-Christians about followers of Jesus. Check with the Lord about your willingness to reconcile with others.
Many Christians love the idea of bringing God gifts that would cause Him joy. The picture of God smiling over us is a warm one. Such gifts may vary from finances to sacrifices of one’s time or opportunity. They might include worshipping through music, meditation, or serving others and the like.
But the offering of such gifts while letting a lack of reconciliation persist is NOT pleasing to God. We know this precisely because of Jesus’ teaching here in Matthew 5:23-24. We know that God already looks upon us with joy thanks to the forgiveness that comes through Jesus. Let’s further that joy as we live out the will of Father God by reconciling wherever rifts have developed among us. Seriously!
Prayer
Father God, just as it is Your will that we believe in Jesus as Lord, is it Your will that we reconcile with each other in Jesus’ name. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven. Where I have sinned, help me confess and ask forgiveness from those I have offended. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
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Note: this type of Joy story captures the value of staying your godly self amid difficult emotions or circumstances (in this case anger). Often the joy is that you don’t “lose it” but maintain composure.
Memorial Day Weekend 2000. Hope used to host a Co-op Preschool for Valencia CC. When the partnership ended a non-affiliated group remained as a self-described “Christian Co-op.” One day, a family sought to join their co-op and reported that the director said they were ‘Christian’ in name only to appease the church. An ensuing chat led to a dissolution of that contract at year’s end. The contract stipulated that certain equipment stay (in-ground things, fencing). While Hope was away on a family retreat, Co-op leaders chose to tear out the playground and fencing. Having forgotten something at Hope, I returned to discover this. Anger burned within me. I called the police. Amid all this, member Pat Callahan was driving by and saw police cars. Taking in the situation, he encouraged me to let it go, not press charges, and let God “return” what had been stolen or ruined. A week later, we received a gift to put up a new fence and playground. Patrick’s presence helped me to stay myself during anger and then experience joy at God’s even better provision.