Peace in the Church (Matt. 5:23, 24)
“ ‘Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift’” (Matt. 5:23, 24, NKJV). What basic principle is Jesus teaching us with these words? Why do we find it so hard to implement this principle in our lives?
It is evident that Jesus takes more seriously our relationships with one another than we do. It is not uncommon for bitterness and resentment to exist for years between members of a church. Imagine how different things would be if we all followed this teaching.
Identifya characteristic of the children of God as recorded in Matthew 5:9. What does it mean?
According to Colossians 3:13–15, what are three ways we are to relate with each other as fellow members of the church? What does each one mean?
Notice the flow of Christian graces in James 3:17: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (NKJV). What would our churches be like if we would allow the Holy Spirit to nurture these qualities in our fellowship? What things would be noticeably absent?
Think about the last time you had a problem with a fellow church member. Did you follow Christ’s words in Matthew 5? Most likely, you did not (right?). Analyze your reasons why you chose the “easy,” worldly route as opposed to the path that would have required humility and self denial. How can you learn to do what Jesus calls us to in such situations?
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