“ […] 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. […] 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!” CHAMBERS
Oh, not that! I know some pretty disagreeable people. People that are really unkind. People who seem to have made it their life’s
goal to make me unhappy. Are you telling me that I must be reconciled to that
person? No. God has said it. The Bible is not a menu that you can make
choices from. “Now let’s see, I think I
will have the blessing from God, and I get two sides? Ok, I would like the peace that passes
understanding and joy down in my heart. And to drink .. living water . no ice.”
God uses His Word to show us how He wants us to live and His
Spirit to convict us of sin. And what we
are told to do, we need His power to do it.
So when you hear or read be reconciled
to “that” person, do you immediately look within and say, “I can’t!” or maybe
even “I won’t”. You have chosen to
respond to them in your flesh. You are
not reflecting Jesus. You might be
thinking, “but you have no idea what this person has done.” Doesn’t matter. The question is, how have you chosen to
respond to it. So you say “But this
person is evil .. they are not even a Christian.” It doesn’t matter .. the point is how are you
responding to this person. Think about
these verses in the context of your relationship with that person.
Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on
you, live at peace with everyone.” That means that you should not be the reason for
the discord in the relationship. It does
not mean that they will change .. it might, but that is not the condition for
what you do.
Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your
neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I
tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may
be children of your Father in heaven.”
This is the love that comes from God, through you.
Matthew 5: 39-40 But
I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right
cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and
take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.”
This is crazy isn’t it? You mean
I am just supposed to take it? Yowzer!
That is tough to do!
Matthew 5: 21-22 “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.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or
sister will be subject to judgment.” I can’t even be angry with them for
it? Read on.
1 John 3:15 “Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer” We cannot justify our feeling of hate toward
others .. no matter how much or how many times they have wronged us.
1 John 4:20
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a
liar.” God’s motivation for saving us was “love” and we are to show that same love toward
others … and you can’t do it on your own. Think about it. ELGIN
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