TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Therefore, 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. Matthew 5:23-24
Read: Matthew 5:23–24
Listen: Matthew 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus reveals the priority of reconciling with others. He puts repairing relationships even above offering gifts to God in worship. Jesus teaches us that if God recalls a relationship in need of repair, this takes priority over praising him with gifts. He urges us to go and make things right, then return with the offering. If we are to be right with God, we will also work to be right with those in our spiritual family. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains the priority of restoration.
The Apostle Paul echoes Jesus’s teaching when he urges, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Our attempts at reconciliation may fail. The other person may be unwilling and unforgiving. However, we honor God’s name and reflect his character when we do what is possible on our part. God made the ultimate sacrifice through Jesus to restore his relationship with us, even when he knew we would reject him. He loved us first before we even knew we needed him (1 John 4:19). When we do what is possible and prioritize living at peace with others, we show others what God is like.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Write Romans 12:18 on a card or type it in your mobile device. Fill in someone’s name you struggle to live at peace with and pray the verse throughout the day. Ask God for his help to do your part in his power. “Father, if it is possible, as far as it depends on me, help me live at peace with ____________ today. Amen.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is Acts 25.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
