Topic: Heart-Felt Righteousness [Friday July 3, 2015]
Text: Matthew 5:21-26
Key Verse: “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23,24).
A direct consequence of the fall of man is the perennial inability of people to live in peace and unity. The history of mankind is unfortunately plagued by crisis, tension, upheavals and wars. Mercifully, the kingdom of God has been revealed through Christ, to show forth God’s mould of righteous, interpersonal undertakings.
Our text reveals the Lord’s admonition on interpersonal relationships for mutual co-existence. He cautioned against anger and the use of intemperate and grievous words. He admonished that exchanging gifts with malice at the background is damning. He counsels against having adversaries to avoid courting unpleasant consequences.
God is the giver of every good and perfect gift. He has given salvation and all necessities of life; the strength and ability to do our work and earn a living. He has also given us spiritual gifts. Above all, He gave His own beloved Son. God gives us in love and requires us to do likewise. And if we live like Him, we will not destroy anyone either by word or deed.
As believers, our offer of gift to God by way of tithes and offering should be a grateful response to all His acts of benevolence and blessings upon our lives. To offer such gifts therefore, we must do so with a heart free from every bit of condemnation. Broken relationships can hinder our relationship with God. An unforgiving grievance with anyone should be resolved to make way for a harmonious relationship with God. Only then can we joyfully and confidently offer our gift.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 7-10
Thought For The Day: Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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