In this verse, Jesus Christ laid down a very important principle by saying, “Do what you know you must do— now. Do it quickly. If you don’t, an inevitable process will begin to work ’till you have paid the last penny’ (Matthew 5:26) in pain, agony, and distress.” God’s laws are unchangeable and there is no escape from them. The teachings of Jesus always penetrate right to the heart of our being.Wanting to make sure that my adversary gives me all my rights is a natural thing. But Jesus says that it is a matter of inescapable and eternal importance to me that I pay my adversary what I owe him. From our Lord’s standpoint it doesn’t matter whether I am cheated or not, but what does matter is that I don’t cheat someone else. Am I insisting on having my own rights, or am I paying what I owe from Jesus Christ’s standpoint?Do it quickly— bring yourself to judgment now. In moral and spiritual matters, you must act immediately. If you don’t, the inevitable, relentless process will begin to work. God is determined to have His child as pure, clean, and white as driven snow, and as long as there is disobedience in any point of His teaching, He will allow His Spirit to use whatever process it may take to bring us to obedience. The fact that we insist on proving that we are right is almost always a clear indication that we have some point of disobedience. No wonder the Spirit of God so strongly urges us to stay steadfastly in the light! (see John 3:19-21).“Agree with your adversary quickly . . . .” Have you suddenly reached a certain place in your relationship with someone, only to find that you have anger in your heart? Confess it quickly— make it right before God. Be reconciled to that person— do it now! 

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June 30, 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, thank you for the gift of forgiveness; that ability to quickly let go of grudges and feelings that I must get back at someone that has hurt me or mine. That was a gift I was not expecting to come to me like it did, all at once. But You know that sometimes it is more difficult than others, especially when one of my children or a very close friend is hurt, or when I feel like I have been disrespected. How can I let go of these tendencies more quickly Lord?

 

And God says…”Forgiveness is a gift that must be opened immediately if you are to receive the full benefit of the gift. You have no right, and there is absolutely no benefit for you to hold onto any of the feelings and thoughts of reprisal, self-pity or self-righteousness. Whenever you hold out strong feelings against another person, institution, organization or group, you block the blessings that have been given you. And the “HOW?”…It is the same lesson as you have been learning. The “HOW’ belongs to Me. Surrender your right to reprisals and hard feelings because of the hurt inflicted by others, to Me. Let Me respond on your behalf. My ways are not your ways. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. Your role is to simply surrender your right to yourself to Me. I will provide the “HOW”. In fact I am the “HOW”.  Seek first the kingdom of God which is Jesus and everything else you need, including the ability to forgive, will be provided”. Remain connected to Me and curious about how I will respond to meet your needs. If I would not spare my only Son, it is certain I would not withhold any good thing from you. Delight yourself in Me and receive the desires of your heart.”