Reconciliation

Sin has estranged the human race from God. And as bad as that is, sin's horrible effects don't stop there. Sin also separates people from other people. Because of sin, husbands are estranged from their wives to the degree that over 50 percent of American marriages end in divorce. Because of sin, mothers are estranged from their unborn babies to the degree that 1.5 million abortions occur annually in the United States alone. Because of sin, the crime rates of America's cities are skyrocketing, as people do violence to others made in God's image.

God's Word In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gives the solution to the enmity pitting brother against brother, race against race, nation against nation: Be reconciled to God, and then treat others the way God has
treated you.

If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift (Matthew 5:23-24).

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If there is someone with whom you have unresolved difficulties, call that person and get it resolved. Reconcile with him or her before you worship this weekend. Do that, and you'll be acting out the reconciliation that Christ purchased for you.