For taking your time to study remain blessed.

TOPIC: FIRST REMOVE THE ROADBLOCK, THEN YOU’RE READY FOR WORSHIP. SATURDAY AUGUST 19
TEXT: MATTHEW 5:20-24
KEY VERSE: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Matthew 18:15).

First be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. The word, “first,” emphasizes the priority and necessity of reconciliation with offended brothers, sister or neighbours before offering our gifts to God in worship or service. While the unresolved matters remained our offering, sacrifice, worship or service cannot be acceptable. The gift we bring to God may appear great and very significant while the offended brother appears small and insignificant, yet restitution and reconciliation are necessary. The situation or the ought may be known only between the offended and offender, yet reconciliation will be necessary and it is not to be delayed. The fault or blame may be on both sides, yet the one who remembers that his brother has ought against him is not excusable. To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. To continue offering our gifts and labouring in the service of the Lord without reconciling with our brother, without restoring Christian fellowship will result to giving the sacrifice of fools. Such sacrifice or service is unacceptable to God. Acceptable worship or service is always offered from hearts void of offence toward God and toward men.

Agree with thine adversary quickly. We ought to carefully restore and preserve Christian love and fellowship. If at any time there is strained relationship we must seek peace with urgency. “As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Take the initiative to have reconciliation, by confessing your fault, humbling yourself before your brother, asking for his pardon and making restitution for wrong done in word or deed. Reconcile with the offended brother and meekly endure being cheated rather than going to the law court to settle differences.

This quick agreement with the adversary does not imply yielding or submitting our will or soul to the adversary the devil. No, as for him, resist him until he flees from you. Neither should we compromise the faith with the adversaries who are persecutors. Christ, our perfect example, did not compromise or agree with such adversaries or opposers of the gospel. He silenced them. And when he had said these things, all His adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. (Luke 13:17).

Thought for the day: To obey is better than sacrifice.
Song for the day: Christian walk carefully
Bible reading for the day:
Psalms 112-115; 1Corinthians 1
#horemow.