50 Teaching of Jesus: Be Reconciled #7

Matthew 5:21-25²¹“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²²But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. ²³“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, ²⁴leave 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.

All sustained anger, bitterness and resentment will be subject to judgment. We have become a litigious and un-resolving society, we are slow to forgive and quick to take people to court. Scripture says that even if you call someone a fool, you are in danger of Hell. Have we overlooked these scriptures hanging on the hope of endless amounts of grace despite our disobedience?

Before you ask YHWH (G-d) for anything, make every effort to make things right with those you offended or wronged. Reconciliation when applicable is always the goal.

We must forgive in order to receive forgiveness. I don’t think people take this scripture seriously enough: Here is a statement by Jesus Himself: “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV)

We must make amends while we are still in our earthly bodies or we could be subject to eternal ramifications. We are expected to be humble, gentle, peaceful,forgiving and to walk through uncomfortable encounters. Forgive them Father they know not what they do.

When I forgave my Dad, I was so scared and very anxious. After 11 years of estrangement, I walked through that uncomfortableness because of God. I was afraid that when I died, God would ask me , ” Why didn’t you forgive your Dad? Why Didn’t you make the effort to make things right with him? ” I really did not want to disappoint my heavenly Father. The week my Dad came back into my life, the week I granted and received forgiveness from Dad, I lost sleep, I cried and I was a nervous wreck .

I really felt like I might have a panic attack when I finally saw Dad. But guess what? God gave me strength, I made it though. Dad and I thankfully reconciled before his death 6 years ago.

I have been so richly blessed by forgiving and walking through my fears and uncomfortableness. I look back on my life, if I had not forgiven Dad, there is a good chance ( based on scripture) that I could have not made it to Heaven, even went to hell. Man, even writing that scares the ____ out of me. (really) I did not show my Dad honor or respect either for years. I broke that commandment which is linked to how long I would live. I contribute my pre-eclampsia during pregnancy to my unforgiveness and disrespect to my Dad. Honoring and respecting our parents is tied to longevity, it’s the only commandment that ties obedience to a long healthy life.

I am so grateful to the pressing of the Holy Spirit to push me to forgive and reconcile. I can tell you I finally understood God’s grace, mercy and love, unconditional forgiveness when Dad and I forgave each other. We truly never looked back after we forgave each other. Forgiveness helped me let go of so many feelings: abandonment, rejection, anger and fear. Forgiveness truly benefits the one giving the forgiveness. We benefit on earth and our eternal rewards are great!

1. Do you have anyone to forgive or reconcile with? How can you start that process?
2. Is there a lawsuit pending? Try to make every effort to avoid court, make things right, fair.