For taking your time to study remain blessed. GODLY RELATIONSHIP AND AN ACCEPTABLE SERVICE SATURDAY FEBRUARY 25 TEXT: MATTHEW 5:20–24 Key verse: “But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire” Matthew 5:22. The Lord has revealed the mind of God and the verdict of heaven on anger in our relationships. The Pharisees were only committed to external acts of worship but they were not concerned about the state of their hearts. The internal state of mind and attitude towards their fellowmen were not considered as essential to their worship of God. While their hearts burned with the fire of anger and hatred, they continued with their activities. Neither did they think of other sins that anger produces such as; hatred, malice, revenge, strife, contention, injustice, violence, slander, backbiting, provocation, murmuring, division, conspiracy, mischief, cruelty, oppression, obstinacy, covenant breaking, strained relationship and self-destruction. With any negative effects on relationship, a wife, a husband, a brother, a sister, an employer, an employee, a relative, a neighbor, a friend etc, may justly have an aught against us. Good relationship is necessary before God can accept your gifts, service or worship. If anyone worships God with zeal and great commitment, yet with anger, hatred and malice in the heart, our Lord has declared his worship to be worthless and his religion vain. It is more desirable to have the heart right with God and man than to perform mere outward acts of worship. If, therefore, a man has gone so far as to bring his gift to the very altar, and should remember that anyone has anything against him, it was his duty to leave his offering and go and be reconciled. While the unresolved matters remains, your gifts, worship or sacrifice cannot be acceptable. The gift we bring to God may appear great and significant while the offended brother or sister appears small and insignificant, yet restitution and reconciliation are necessary. The fault or blame may be on both sides, yet the one who remembers that his brother has aught against him is not excusable. To continue offering gifts and service without reconciling with your brother or sister will result to giving the sacrifice of fools. Acceptable worship or service is always offered from hearts void of offence. Thought for the day: Acceptable worship or service is always offered from hearts void of offence. Song for the day: I surrender all (2x) all to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all… Bible reading for the day: Numbers 14-15 Mark 6:1-32 #horemow.