If you . . . remember that your brother has something against you . . . —Matthew 5:23
“First be reconciled to your brother . . . .” Our Lord’s directive is simple— “First be reconciled . . . .” He says, in effect, “Go back the way you came— the way indicated to you by the conviction given to you at the altar; have an attitude in your mind and soul toward the person who has something against you that makes reconciliation as natural as breathing.” Jesus does not mention the other person— He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus.
“. . . and then come and offer your gift.” The process of reconciliation is clearly marked. First we have the heroic spirit of self-sacrifice, then the sudden restraint by the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit, and then we are stopped at the point of our conviction. This is followed by obedience to the Word of God, which builds an attitude or state of mind that places no blame on the one with whom you have been in the wrong. And finally there is the glad, simple, unhindered offering of your gift to God.
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September 26, 2013 JDV
Lord, the line in the devotional by Oswald Chambers, The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus, tells me that surrendering my rights to myself is the right and proper step in becoming a man after your own heart. But sometimes it is so very hard Lord. I want the right to be heard, to be defended, to be….right. Deep down I still want the right to pursue my own agenda, my own sense of right and wrong, and my wants and needs. Lord help me surrender the need to pursue my rights, and receive your love and direction.
And God says…”I cannot live through you if you will not surrender. And like many, you choose to surrender certain portions of your life, especially those that are under pressure and attack. When refining fires are burning all around you in key areas of your life, you then focus on your surrender. When things are difficult in key areas and you see the futility of your own efforts, you then surrender. It is no secret that you can hear Me more clearly, like a megaphone, when you are in pain. Practice your surrender daily and hold up those key areas before the refining fires and tribulation ignite from the sparks of holding tightly to the rights you believe are yours… Seek Me first, acknowledge Me in all your ways, and delight yourself in the Lord. Start here every day.”
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