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

Oh, come on Paul.

Can’t I just pray and worship and love God without dealing with…you know…them?

Seriously, Paul, you don’t understand the situation.  You have no idea of the pain and frustration and betrayal and backbiting and desertion that went on.

If you knew what they have done…if you knew what I have done…

What’s that, Paul?

If I knew what Jesus has done…

But I do know what Jesus has done.

Oh

Beloved, it’s easy for words like apologize, and repent, and humility, and forgiveness to remain abstract concepts when we restrict them to our relationship with God.

That’s why he gave us…you know…them.

It’s in relationship that we really learn to love.

So, set down your gift

and take up your cross

and live what you profess.

Today, Beloved.

Happy Thursday