Should I Forgive (Pt 3)

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“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:23-24‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ Forgiveness is relationship! Forgiveness is our service one to another and to the Lord. Can you take a moment and imagine coming before the King bearing a present for him. And before you utter a word, the King goes 'how is Jennifer?'. Meanwhile you have not spoken to Jennifer for a while, for one reason or another; or you have not spoken to her because she is bearing a grudge against you; or perhaps you have simply fallen out with her. What would be a likely answer if this was the case? It is very significant when one is bearing a present for the King, as presents can make way, usher one into favour with the King or can open unprecedented doors. However, if the answer confirms that there is a breakdown in the relationship with Jennifer, then the King would likely say "drop your present over there and first be reconciled with Jennifer". This suggests that the present would hold no value without first reconciling with Jennifer or having a good relationship with Jennifer so to say especially if Jennifer means a lot to the king as much as the king values you. You see God places value on our relationship with one another than we think. Notice the expression in the passage above '.....First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” First things first! Forgiveness is key in our service to the Lord. Forgiveness is relationship. First be reconciled. That is what the Lord desires of us. So when we are faced with this same challenge 'should I forgive?', remember first things first; and yes You should forgive! Have a great week as you reflect on these words and apply them accordingly.

God bless you. Amen.