Thought for the Day
September 17, 2008
Thought for the Day

Restoring relationships is an important part of having them.  As imperfect people, you can count on the fact that we will let each other down.  That's why truthfulness and forgiveness are an essential part of our life together.  Jesus makes all this possible as He daily establishes a relationship with us (John Fischer, adapted)
God's Living Word

  "You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject of judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell."So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.  "When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.And if that happens, you surely won't be free again until you have paid the last penny.(Matthew 5:21-21, NLT)
Several years ago John Fischer observed, "Jesus once said that if you bring an offering to the Lord and you are aware of something wrong in one of your relationships, you should set your offering aside and go get things straightened out with you brother or sister, then come back and worship Him (Matthew 5:23-24). 

How we live in relationship with each other, in the Body of Christ, needs our attention, even before our worship.  God is basically saying that we can't be in fellowship with Him and knowingly out of fellowship with each other".

Take a few minutes today and think about any relationships you might need to spend some time on in the next few weeks in order to restore fellowship with these people God has brought into your life.  As we learn to forgive, as Jesus has forgiven us, we will find the road that leads to peace, joy and blessings that that come from our fellowship with others and Jesus Himself.

May the Holy Spirit lead all of us to grow in our desire and ability to reconcile our broken relationships!

Have a great day with Jesus and Be There!
Building Relationships for eternity....one person at a time
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