Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that
your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the
altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer
your gift. –Matt.5:23-24
In the Old Testament we learn about sacrifices – about the need for blood to cover our sin. The one offering the sacrifice was to come in repentance, and would leave in peace with a resolved heart. Our sacrifices today aren’t blood – it is our ministry, our prayer, our possessions, our life. So if you want to serve, examine ‘is there anyone who has something against me?’ then make that right. Only then serve.
The last day of our study we saw this man in tears and helped him pray with the one who had been offended, helped them to forgive each other. I believe they will be able to serve more now.
Then on the train back home heard this: One woman, who served God, had an issue in her heart with a number of people. She began to be ill. When she asked someone for help, he said she had two hours to live unless she met with those around her to forgive and seek forgiveness. In two hours, when he returned, she had gathered all who she needed to forgive and from whom to seek forgiveness. And she had a heart of joy and peace. After that she was able to serve God even more.
If you take on and do one small application, God will give you so much more.
