a 365 day trip through Matthew with a key thought, prayer, focus verse and contextual verses for each day
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If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints?... If you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church! I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers? But instead, one brother goes to law against another—and this in front of unbelievers! The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
1 Corinthians 6:1-7
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3:12-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15 |
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February 23
Reconcile! - Matthew 5:25-26
“If your enemy is taking you to court, become friends quickly, before you go to court. Otherwise, your enemy might turn you over to the judge, and the judge might give you to a guard to put you in jail. I tell you the truth, you will not leave there until you have paid everything you owe."
Full Text
Key Thought
As Jesus helps us better understand God’s intent, character, and will revealed in the Law, he also shines the light of truth into all the corners we so often try to keep hidden from him. Jesus moves from our human sense of worship into matters of everyday life with his radical call for reconciliation with our enemies.
He wants us to reconcile quickly before we get into legal proceedings with them, otherwise matters can escalate out of control and damage us as well has our influence. Jesus emphasizes the urgency of making things right.
Second, as God's human children, we have always found it easy to falsely segment our lives into sacred and secular compartments, to make worship a weekly event rather than an everyday lifestyle. To keep us from thinking that reconciliation is only a "church rule" and not a "life rule," Jesus reminds us that reconciliation involves all of life, not just the "religious part." Jesus is serious about forgiveness, mercy, and reconciliation as the way of God and the lifestyle of his children.
Today's Prayer
Almighty God, please forgive me for segmenting my life into little pieces and not allowing your character and will to transform me through and through. I want you to rule over every part of my life, especially my relationships. I want to walk in harmony with my brothers and sisters and in cordial concern with those who are not part of your kingdom. Empower me to forgive and release my grievance before embarrassing my Kingdom Family or causing division in your people. In the name of the Lord Jesus I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses with Jesus
(key verses in bold)
21 “You have heard that it was said to our people long
ago, ‘You must not murder anyone. Anyone who murders
another will be judged.’ 22 But I tell you, if you are
angry with a brother or sister, you will be judged. If you say
bad things to a brother or sister, you will be judged by the
council. And if you call someone a fool, you will be in danger
of the fire of hell.
23 “So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and
you remember that your brother or sister has something against
you, 24 leave your gift there at the altar. Go and make peace
with that person, and then come and offer your gift.
Top of Page
25 “If your enemy is taking you
to court, become friends quickly, before you go to court.
Otherwise, your enemy might turn you over to the judge, and the
judge might give you to a guard to put you in jail. 26 I tell you
the truth, you will not leave there until you have paid everything
you owe."
(NCV) The New Century Version, (Dallas, Texas:
Word Publishing) 1987, 1988, 1991.
Used by permission.
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