The Power of Reconciliation Through Christ
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” - Matthew 5:23-24
Keith Hernandez was one of baseball’s top players. He is a lifetime .300 hitter who has won numerous Golden Glove awards for excellence in fielding. He’s won a batting championship for having the highest average, the Most Valuable Player award in his league, and even the World Series.
Yet with all his accomplishments, he has missed out on something crucially important to him—his father’s acceptance and recognition that what he has accomplished is valuable. One day Keith asked his father, “Dad, I have a lifetime 300 batting average. What more do you want?”
His father replied, “But someday you’re going to look back and say, ‘I could have done more.’”
There’s very little that can emotionally damage a man or a woman more than a wounding statement like this from a parent. Yet the sad truth is that all too often, parents make these kinds of comments without ever even realizing their ramifications.
But in Christ, it’s never too late for reconciliation. Maybe you’ve been wronged by a family member. Or, maybe you’ve wronged someone else. Whatever it is, God’s desire is that you would live in peace with all people by sincerely humbling yourself and finding reconciliation through Him.
Prayer Challenge
Pray and ask God to show you where reconciliation with a friend or family member is needed in your life.
Questions for Thought
Who are some people in your life today with whom you need to be reconciled?
What are some tangible steps you can take to love those who’ve wronged you and begin the process of reconciliation?
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