Disciples Practice Healthy
Relationships by Seeking Godly Reconciliation

Matthew 5:23-24

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 him; then come and offer your gift…
~ Jesus

In biblical times, gifts being presented at an altar reflected one’s relationship with God: Thanks offerings to a benevolent God; sin offerings relating to needed reconciliation between a Holy God and oneself. This idea of being in relational wellness with God is what Jesus points to in this week’s sermon focus: One can’t disregard unhealthy relationships with other people while aiming to reflect a healthy walk with God at His altar. That doesn’t keep people from trying. Try as we might, the blessing of God Almighty isn’t on it.

Listen to Micah lay it down:

Micah 6:6-8

With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, You have reminded me that a healthy walk with Father God is not exclusive of my relationships with other people. Deepen my relationship with God so that it totally influences how I relate to others. Be my master and disciple me in this arena of life. So I pray. Amen.

Micro-Meditation

Psalm 119:145-152

I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord,
and I will obey your decrees.
I call out to you; save me
and I will keep your statutes.
I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I have put my hope in your word.
My eyes stay open through the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promises.
Hear my voice in accordance with your love;
preserve my life, Lord, according to your laws.
Those who devise wicked schemes are near,
but they are far from your law.
Yet you are near, Lord,
and all your commands are true.
Long ago I learned from your statutes
that you established them to last forever.