Matthew 5:23-26
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Matthew 5:23-26
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.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Devotional
Life in the kingdom of the heavens should not be lived in such a way that we are driven wherever offence takes us. Anger is an emotion which tends to live in our bodies. That’s why it bursts out sometimes in unexpected ways. It’s why road rage exists. Our bodies must learn that they are not the boss. Jesus is the boss who instructs our minds and renews our mind, which guides our emotions and the actions of our body.
Life in the kingdom of God is fuelled by grace and this grace must be applied to everyone we come in contact with. This management of ourselves is very much foundational to living the Christian life well. It is a skill we must learn by habit empowered by grace. Boxes of contempt, if they do get filled up, need to be emptied at the foot of the cross just as quickly.
Cain tragically murdered his little brother Abel due to some form of jealousy undoubtedly birthed out of contempt. Anger is at the root of so much sin. Anger is the will to harm and is typically caused by a crossing of a person’s will. If a person always expects to get their own way, there is slim chance that this person will live free of anger and it’s nasty cousin contempt.
Jesus’ extrapolation of the teaching regarding settling matters quickly is simply reinforcing the fact that sitting on offence is a dangerous practise. Work it through, forgive where appropriate, let people off your hook, and let God do what God does, judge the earth with truth and grace.
Question to consider
Who do you need to settle matters with in Jesus’ name and by His grace?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your mercy extended to me in Christ. Though you have every reason to remain angry at me because of my sin, you have loved me, been gracious to me and forgiven me. Help me allow your mercy and love to flow through me to others. I have no right to keep people on my hook of un-forgiveness, please reveal to me who I need to let go and entrust to you. Amen.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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