Rooted in Christ: Daily Devotions for a Strong Foundation

WEDNESDAY, 4 DECEMBER 2024

 

TEXT: MATTHEW 5:21-26

 

21: “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.’

 

 22: But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.

 

 23: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,

 

24: leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

 

25: “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.

 

26: Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

 

(New International Version Holy Bible)

 

TOPIC: THOUGHT REFLECTION: DEALING WITH ANGER

 

Living with people can sometimes lead to a lot of misunderstandings because everyone sees things from different perspectives. The tendency to get angry is always high, which can break up relationships.

 

Jesus expects Christians to handle misunderstandings in a different way from unbelievers. He expects them to exhibit self-control whenever they are angry and resort to insulting those who annoy them.

 

He emphasizes that reconciliation is more important than offering sacrifices. He advised those having misunderstandings to keep their sacrifices on the altar, go and reconcile with their enemies before coming back to offer the sacrifices.

 

He further instructed them to settle matters out of court because the court will definitely cause more havoc than heal relationships. Therefore, we must learn to settle our differences in the Christian way so as to honour God.

 

QUESTION: Have you been able to settle your differences with those who offended you or the people you offended?

 

PRAYER: Help me, o Lord, to manifest self-control in my life each time I have a misunderstanding with someone so as to honour You, in Jesus name. Amen.

 

Remain Blessed      

ECWA Food For The Day, 2024.