It’s a Choice Not a Feeling
Matthew 5:23-25 23 ”Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Christ is pretty clear on what he thinks about unreconciled relationships. Our natural reactions to conflict usually fall in one of two areas. 1. We will stand and fight until our point of view dominates innocence, or we will flight to the point of avoiding all contact with those whom we have conflict. Christ is specific about our need to reconcile with those that we have offended or those that have offended us. The key to forgiveness is to remember the word…RECONCILIATION. Reconciliation doesn’t always end with an apology from a guilty party. Many times both parties involved truly feel that they are not at fault. But, that does not mean that a situation cannot be resolved. An apology isn’t always an admittance of guilt; many times it CAN just be a desire to reconcile. Pride points fingers. It assigns blame. Pride exalts itself above the idea presented in Philippians 2:2-4. 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. Humbleness simply points to God. Harboring hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness will affect your relationship with God.
TRUTH: You cannot be in a right relationship with God if you are not in a right relationship with those around you. Whether you have offended someone or they have offended you, it’s in the best interest for your spiritual health that you resolve it. Remember, forgiveness is a choice not a feeling.
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