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Devotional

First, Go and Make Peace

Scripture

If you are standing before the altar in the temple, offering a sacrifice to God, and you remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there beside the altar and go and be reconciled to that person (Matthew 5:23, 24, NLT).

Although I don't work with the same boss on my job as I did before, I see my former boss every day. I wave and smile at her when I pass by her office.  When we see each other on campus, we greet each other and exchange small talk about our lives and jobs.

But that's all surface stuff, for deep down inside I'm still angry at my former boss. Deep down inside I have not forgiven her for what happened with my former job. And although I wish she would apologize to me for what happened, I know she probably never will.

Jesus understood the importance of restoring broken relationships. And he required that before a person could offer a sacrifice to his Father in the temple, they needed to first resolve any grievances they had against their fellow brother.  Once they reconciled their broken relationship, they could be assured their offering would be received.

I want to offer my life as a living sacrifice to God. But before He will accept my offering, I must first go to my former boss and reconcile my relationship with her.  And even if she does not desire reconciliation, that's okay. I will still do my part. I will go and make peace.  So the offering that I place before the Lord is not hindered.

Has anyone offended you lately? If so, don't wait for them to approach you. Go today and make peace. And be reconciled to that person.

Sharing the Word,

Jeaninne