Jesus said “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.” (Matthew 5:23,24 MSG)

Restoration is an incredible experience. I need to share this with you because the last few years the Lord has really walked me through relationships that needed to be revisited, reconciled and restored. Like anyone else, these things take time, yes, but in the end, we are commanded to forgive so that God can begin the restoration process in us and those we offend. It’s interesting what the lord is saying in this passage, he is saying before you bring anything to ME (God) if you remember that someone has something against you, LEAVE your sacrifice, Go and be reconciled to that person FIRST.

What is God saying here? He is saying what he has said so many times, in different ways, Love your neighbor as yourself. God wants his children to be at peace with each other. God doesn’t want a wounded, divided Kingdom, yet, I can personally tell you, there are many in his kingdom seeking God’s favor and God’s will without trying to be reconciled to those they have beef with. You might say…But they aren’t mature, they aren’t trying to live in peace. God isn’t telling THEM, he is telling YOU, go and be reconciled, regardless of what the other person decides to say or do.

I once heard a pastor say “When you don’t forgive someone it’s like you take them everywhere with you, your are allowing them to live in your heart, rent free.” Unforgiveness, bitterness, arguments that last months and years are not healthy and are not what God desires. God doesn’t want his children treating each other this way, better yet, think of it this way, if we are saved, Jesus lives within us, when we hurt or don’t forgive someone, we are doing it to Jesus himself (who also lives in them). I know what you might come back with, you might say….they aren’t real christians, they got issues…..uh, we all got issues. Can I get an amen?

Again, I am here to give personal testimony of reconciliation. I’ve picked up the phone, emailed, written letters and the feeling that comes over me when that relationship is restored, is really beyond words. It brings so much peace and joy, it really is a heavenly thing because nothing on earth really compares to the feeling within your soul. I’m no exception to pain, I’ve had people betray me and my family, I’ve had people lie about what really happened, which makes the hurt even deeper. I’ve seen people betray my parents, seen people walk over me and my wife. Oh, but what joy when we give it all to God trusting him to be our defender, trusting him to care for us. Be reconciled today to a relationship that is broken, I pray in Jesus name.

Who do you need to call, Facebook, text or write to so that God can begin the restoration process?