Begin with 2 minutes of stillness and silence before God.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to live in peace with others and one another. And as followers of Jesus Christ, we also know that it can be hard to do that. We say things we don’t mean. We take offense when none was given. And sometimes we just don’t mesh that well with people.

But this is not a free pass to avoid taking responsibility when we have hurt or sinned against someone. Verses 23-24 of today’s passage tell us that as soon as we realize someone has something against us, we need to immediately go and seek reconciliation with them. Scripture goes as far as to say that our relationships and reconciling them are far more important than performing a religious duty!

Jesus urges us to settle anger and malice quickly because he knows what it does to us when we sit or simmer in our anger. We become prisoners of it. Our pride tricks us into believing that we aren’t the victims of our own anger when really, we are the ones drinking our own poison. Our own sin.

I mean, let’s be real, doesn’t:

• Tensions subside
  
• Normal conversations
  
• Focus on the future
  

... sound better than:

• Ongoing tension 
  
• Awkward interactions
  
• Keeping score

Stop drinking the poison of unrelenting anger and look for a way to heal today.

Take 2 minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Who is someone you need to go to and seek reconciliation?
• Sit with the Lord and allow Him to give you a new perspective on reconciling with someone.
• Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the forgiveness that You never withhold from Your children. Thank you for the example that You set for us in forgiving others. Lord, show me who You want me to go to and seek reconciliation with. Humble my perspective and give me the strength to take the first step. In Jesus’ name, amen.