“Settle matters quickly with your adversary…” Matthew 5:25 There are times in my life when I have been indebted to people for a business transaction or a personal matter of obligation. My parents instilled in me the need to be clear of debts, and I am thankful that I have been able to keep up with my bills and most of my personal commitments. Wisdom has also kept me from dealing with people in fraudulent ways, which helps to avoid legal consequences. However, if I take this Scripture a bit further to address handling contention in relationships, I don’t do well all the time. When I believe that I am right and someone else is wrong, my first move is not to “settle matters quickly” but to make sure the other person knows I am right. I don’t know why I need to feel self-righteous or prideful. Maybe I am insecure about myself and feel inadequate in some way. The fact of the matter is that Jesus already told me that I am messed up, so my having faults is not new information. There is no need to make myself feel better and demoralize someone else by pointing out their mistakes. All I need to do is accept that Christ loves me, died for me, and washed away the things that separated me from God. And now, God wants me to flourish for His glory. In our relationships—we don’t need to be right, we don’t need to be strong, we don’t need to be in control—but we do need to be forgiving, humble, and loving. If we find that there is anger in our heart, God tells us, “Confess it quickly, bring it before Me. Forgive because I have forgiven you.” Be reconciled to the person and do it now! And if the grievance is too great for you to forgive, pray with all your heart. “Holy Spirit, help me.” All things are possible with the power of God’s grace.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:24:00 +0000
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