Agree with your adversary
quickly… —Matthew 5:25
“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. […] In
moral and spiritual matters, you must act immediately. […] The fact that we
insist on proving that we are right is almost always a clear indication that we
have some point of disobedience. […] “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
Who is your adversary? I know
that you can think of one or two people that rub you the wrong way. Why do they rub you at all? What does it have to do with, money,
relationships, competing agendas? Whatever
the source of the contention is, lay it down.
Give it up. “fouw-ged-abowd-et” Peter asked the Lord, “how many times do
I have to forgive, seven times?” Jesus replied, “No, seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22) In other words, as often as he asks for
forgiveness. And if he does not ask,
forgive him for your sake. That does not
mean that you enable his offense in the future, but don’t allow anger and
resentment to flower into bitterness and anger.
Trust me, you will be the one with the ulcer or the one losing sleep,
not the one who has given offense. You need to distance yourself either
physically or emotionally, certainly spiritually from the unrepentant person. (Matthew
18:15-17) says that if someone will not repent we are to treat them as if
they are not saved. And if the person you
are struggling with is not saved, don’t expect them to behave like they are.
(2
Corinthians 6:14) “Do not be yoked together (tied to, partnered with) with
unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what
fellowship can light have with darkness?”
If you find yourself involved with someone who is not a Believer, run. When it comes to matters of the heart, we
often dismiss the Word in favor of emotion.
It never ends well. There is so
much that could be said about this, but this is a devotion, not a book. Let me leave you with this. (Joshua
1:8-9) “Keep this Book of the Law (the Bible) always on your lips; meditate
on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. (it’s not referring to money and
fame) Have I not commanded you? Be
strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord
your God will be with you wherever you go.” If you are walking in the light,
you don’t have to worry about what’s right.
(Philippians 4:8) Finally,
brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is
excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” CHARLEY
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