Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.
Reading: Matthew 5:21–26; Matthew 18:15–20
Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.
Jesus gives clear instruction when hurt happens: go directly to the person. Don't post about it, don't gather allies, don't let bitterness fester—go. Whether you've been offended or you've offended someone else, Jesus says the same thing: pursue reconciliation immediately. This requires fighting FOR the relationship rather than fighting to WIN the argument. Listen to understand their heart, not to prepare your rebuttal. Speak to honor, not to wound. View their faults through the lens of grace God has shown you. Reconciliation isn't optional for followers of Jesus—it's commanded. Is there someone you need to approach today? Don't wait until it feels comfortable. Leave your gift at the altar and go.
Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…
- Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).
- Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Ask God for courage, humility, and wisdom to pursue peace and reconciliation in your relationships.
- Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.
Faith Steps:
- Identify one unresolved conflict or tension in your life and pray specifically about taking the next step toward reconciliation.
- Reach out to that person in a respectful and honest way, seeking peace over being “right.”