A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
Matthew 5:23-24 NASB2020
If we are not reconciled with others, if we hold grudges and if we are unforgiving, how are we better than the world? If we do not forgive we are worse, because we know what God has asked us to do and we ignore it, because we feel we were wronged and have a “right” to be angry with that person. We don’t have a right. God tells us to forgive and make amends. He tells us to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Remember, the parable of the man whose great debt was forgiven by the King. Then He goes berates and punishes a man who owes him money. When the King finds out what he did, he locks him up and throws away the key. (Matthew 18:21-35).
God has forgiven us of all our sin; yesterday, today and forever. What right do we have to hold unforgiveness and bitterness in our hearts. We make a mockery of Christ’s death on the cross when we act like this. Some of y’all that read this devotional have forgiven me for various iniquities and I can’t thank you enough for your forgiveness! Some, others of you I have forgiven and we have mended our relationship. Sharon and I when we wrote our vows of marriage put in a line that said we would “love and forgive each other forever”. We also have followed God’s word when it says do not let the sun go down on your anger. (Ephesians 4:26) In our almost 33 years of marriage we have very rarely gone to bed without reconciliation and have never gone more than a day without reconciliation.
Therefore, all those examples of forgiveness and reconciliation have strengthened relationships, and renewed friendships. If y’all have broken relationships I urge you through the power of the Holy Spirit go and make them right! Forgive and ask for forgiveness not only will it make you feel better and release you from your burdens it is what God calls us to do.
Lord, we thank you for your perfect forgiveness through the cross, we ask that you help us to forgive and to ask for forgiveness. Help us to do as you ask and be perfect followers of you in Jesus name. Amen
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!