Solve Conflicts One on One

Our Love for God

Loving God, Trusting Christ

Submit to God in Love

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 without a stiff fine.

For Reflection

Who is responsible for making the first move toward reconciliation? "Not me!" you say, "He started it. I was the one who was wronged!'
The problem with that response is that expecting the other person to make the first move may be unrealistic. That person may not even know that he or she has offended you.  And, if the other person understands that you have been hurt, he or she may have intended to be offensive.

In any case, you are the one who is aware of the injustice.  It is up to you to make the first overture toward reconciliation. Furthermore, you are to forgive the offense and the offender. Wipe the slate clean.  Harbor no grudge. If your first attempt to reconcile is rejected, it does not relieve you from your responsibility to continue to find a path toward resolution.

Pray

Pray for reconciliation so that you will not suffer the result of becoming "Grudgley."


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