Urgency of Forgiveness
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”
Matthew 5:23-24 (NLT)
Thought
Sometimes we get so caught up in doing things for Jesus that we forget to live like Jesus. We must prioritize forgiveness and the restoration of relationships. Our horizontal relationships on Earth impact our vertical relationship with our Father in Heaven.
Prayer Practice
Pause
Take a moment to consider all your relationships. Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from? Is there someone you need to forgive? Before you go any further in this devotion, take the step to seek forgiveness and restoration.
Rejoice
Thank God for the gift of second chances. Thank Him for the grace and mercy He’s shown you. Thank Him for the graciousness and forgiveness of those who love you.
Ask
Invite the Spirit to help you prioritize forgiveness. Ask for a supernatural awareness of where there is brokenness in your relationships so you might seek reconciliation. Remember we’re called to do that so we can live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
Yield
Think of that one person with whom you fear you’ll never experience reconciliation. Leave your fear at the feet of the Savior. Trust Him with this situation. Ask Him to intervene and be sensitive to any guidance the Spirit reveals toward your next steps.