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I had stumbled across this verse years ago and at the time was required to share it under the conviction of the Holy Spirit in a very "touchy" situation in my life. There had been an ongoing "issues" that some thought would "just go away" if enough time was applied to the situation and others feel that "talking" wouldn't "fix" the situation and so from the get-go some have refused to sit down and have an open dialog to help bring repentance, resolution, healing and restoration to a very broken situation.
I love how the Word has the answers to our dilemmas in life and all we just have to DO is apply the Word. Yes, I know, that is the really difficult part though, isn't it...doing what we should. Lord Jesus, help us be more like You! Help us die to being "right" and live more like you. He talks about how in a divorce situation as he ministers to couples the party in front of his desk always talks about the "other" partner as the "evil" one, the "problem," the "reason," and they often refer to themselves as the "victim". Hmmm - how can this be? Because it is simply NOT true. Whenever there is conflict or issues there is always enough blame to go around to EVERYONE involved, trouble is, few are willing to pick up their "piece" of the issue and own it.
Years ago I heard a saying that went something like this. "You can never slice a piece of bread so thin that is doesn't have two sides." Notice on a piece of bread....go get one. Turn it over, from side to side and see that neither side "matches" perfectly. They look completely different yet together they make up a slice of bread. We have to try to position ourselves to see life from the "other persons" perspective if we are ever to achieve peace with each other.
Craig shares that he has never heard anyone teach on this verse in the bible and I have to agree - I don't think I have heard a teaching on the topic either. He brings some really great information to light and I pray you take the time to let the Holy Spirit minister to you and teach you His ways on this matter. Are you a peacemaker or a peacekeeper? A peacemaker is what we are CALLED to be according to the Word and that requires courage in confronting. Ouch - don't know too many people (especially in the church) who will like hearing that. We seem to be the biggest defenders of NOT confronting in love...that is unless you are in leadership! Seems the "top" banana never has a problem with this then.
I am praying for the healing of all your relationships...and mine too! May the God of Peace minister to us as we all choose to die to flesh and let Him be glorified!
Matthew 5: 21- 26 - the Message:
21 "You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.'22 I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
23 "This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you,24 abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
25 "Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail.26 If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.
