First, be Reconciled

The People of God Set Priorities
Bearing One Another's Burdens
An Appeal for Reconciliation

Matthew 5:21-26 The Message

Murder

^21-22 “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.

^23-24 “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
^25-26 “Or say you’re out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don’t lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you’re likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won’t get out 

For Reflection

The truth is words do hurt.  With words one murders the soul.  How many times have you said,  "He (She) is the one who owes me an apology."  If you are the one who feels harmed, why lay the burden on the other to initiate reconciliation? He or she may not know that he or she has harmed you.  You are the one feeling hurt.  You are the one who is responsible to initiate reconciliation.  You are the one who must forgive and hold no grudge so that reconciliation can move forward.  You are the one who must take the first step.  Vendetta and revenge is no path toward reconciliation,

 

Pray

that you will be able to forgive all transgressions as God has forgiven yours.  Pray that you will be willing to risk the first step toward reconciling harms.