A New Word

Scripture – Matthew 5:21-24: ²¹“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ ²²But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But 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 has something against you, ²⁴leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s something I’ve never noticed before. The concern as I come to the altar is that someone has something against me. I think I’ve always skipped over that and read it as though I have something against another believer. Then I should go and work that out. As true and good as that might be, it’s not what Jesus says here. If I remember there’s someone in the church who is upset with me about something, my responsibility is to go to them. Whether I’m at fault or not makes no difference. If you have a problem with me, we have a problem. The body of Christ is affected negatively by that. And worship is disrupted.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention to this. Who might have something against me? If I suspect that, I will contact that person.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for this insight. Your word continues to come alive in new ways. That’s why I keep reading and work to keep open to it. Please keep speaking and keep up your transforming work in my imperfect heart.