Unfinished Business

 


UNFINISHED BUSINESS

By:  Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

“Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” - Matthew 5:24 ESV

Relationships can be a LOT of work.  Differences of opinion, harsh, cutting words and ill feelings serve to divide us from others. It’s hard to humble ourselves to ask for forgiveness, and equally hard to approach someone who has offended us, for the purpose of reconciliation —especially if they have not offered an apology.  

Our God puts high priority on relationships.  He sacrificed His Son to be reconciled to us, even before we recognized our sin.  And before we come before Him, He wants us to first be reconciled to our brother, regardless of where the fault may lie. 

Beloved, in this season giving thanks, is there first a broken relationship in your life in need of mending before coming before the Lord?

Father, soften our hearts. Remind us of the wretchedness of our condition when You found us, so in our gratefulness for forgiveness, we might choose humility and compassion for our brother.  Prepare the way.  Go before us.  Walk with us.  Strengthen us to humbly make the first move, regardless of who is at fault.  

Lord, guard our hearts from careless, hurtful and judging words, and restrain our tongues from inflicting the same.  Strengthen us to remain above reproach, regardless of the outcome, and to speak words that are lavish in love and grace. May we be humble in the asking, and generous and compassionate in the giving, of forgiveness, that in so far as it depends upon us, we might live peaceably with everyone (Rom 12:18).

Then, may we come before You with arms unburdened by offense, to offer our thanksgiving, petitions and praise, and, in turn, receive Your blessing.

Father, thank You for loving us first —for making the first move in reconciliation with us.  As we offer You thanks, may we come with clean hands and a pure heart, having first taken care of our unfinished business.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

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