Daily Scripture Reading Matthew 5:23-25 KJV
“If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift, go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Mat_5:23-24.
Today’s Devotional Reading Is Reconciliation First
There is a significant difference between memory and recall.
Memory is like a large box or chest in which a person stores his letters, accounts and manuscripts. Recollection is his ability to recall what he needs. It is there, we know it, we can recall seeing it, turning it over, and we don’t remember where it is.
There is an instant of fastened recollection when you stand before God: “When bringest thy present to the altar, and rememberest.” The Divine searchlight examines our past lives and reveals many things that have been forgotten. Our powers of recall are sharply accelerated by our conscience.
What have you done to your brother? You may have reacted in anger and passion to him, or you might have been sulky and not responding to his requests, and instead greeted his greetings with grudging courtesy. You may have done him a favor by taking away his only cover or forgoing to help him when he was in dire need (Exo_22.26-27; Exo_23.4-9).
As the first step towards acceptance with God, we are asked to make amends with man. Humility is essential in any approach to God. And nothing can humble our pride more than to admit our mistakes to our brothers. Truth is essential to any right dealings to God. It’s important to be honest with ourselves and to make our relationships with others transparent and straightforward. While confession of sin is essential to peace with God, sincerity is not enough. We must also be honest. “First, reconcile with thy brothers”–not just with your human brother but with our great Brother In the Glory (Gen_1;17-21;Heb_2:11). Next, offer yourself as a gift to God. He will accept you and your gifts.
PRAYER for Today
We beseech thee to forgive our broken and contrite hearts, O Lord. We ask for your help to make amends and to show mercy to our brother. So will we make peace with Thee our Elder Brother against whom we have terribly sinned. AMEN.