The Life and Ministry of Jesus
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:23–26
What a remarkable message the Lord gave! If we have Christ’s righteousness, we will not only refrain from the shedding of blood but will develop hearts that are liberated from the things that are the cause of murder—namely, contemptuous anger. We will be sensitive about our attitude toward others. Though we are by no means perfect, we are by God’s grace learning that contempt and hostility—and their telltale language—are not to be part of our lives.
Furthermore, we are learning that God places the highest priority on our relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That is so important that he even recommends that we temporarily leave worship in order to take time to meet with the offended.Let us live as truly righteous people, so that others will see the radical righteousness of Christ and be drawn to him. 1
Personal Encouragement
You have a decision to make. Will you live under grace in obedience to His Word, or live in rebellion and face the harsh really of the law? It is always your choice.
Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Isaiah 55:6
Once God tells you what to do, then it is best to do it right away. That’s called obedience.
A Prayer
Lord, I am thankful that You want to free me from the prison of resentment.
1. Hughes, R. K. (2001). The sermon on the mount: the message of the kingdom. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
