Keep Zeal Alive: Prioritizing Reconciliation

“You have heard that it was said to those  of old,  ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’But I say to you that  whoever is angry with his brother  without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother,  ‘Raca!’  shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says,  ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of  hell fire.Therefore  if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.Agree with your adversary quickly,  while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. - Matthew 5:21-26 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew5:21-26&version=NKJV
Our worship to God is meaningless if we don't first reconcile with others we have hurt or those who have hurt us. As New Testament Christians we must stand for love and mercy. Not hate and ruthlessness (unmercifulness). Don't let anger build up and ruin our lives spiritually and physically. Unchecked anger can lead to bitterness which in turn can lead to unforgiveness. And remember, if we don't forgive others, God will not forgive us (Matthew 6:15). And an unforgiving heart will cost us our salvation. Insulting others in anger will lead us straight to the doors of hell. 

Think on this. Jesus did not heap insults upon His murderers, but forgave them even while dying (Luke 23:34). Drink of His deep pool of mercy and find the strength to forgive. 
A story in the link below that I pray softens our hearts and helps us to forgive. 

And when we hurt others which we all do we must take the initiative: go humbly to that person and apologize. Swallow our pride and admit our wrong. No blaming others, justifying our behaviors, or finger pointing allowed. Without reconciliation there is no peace and the church will fall apart. 


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