In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus spoke:
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.
23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,
24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.”
People with the wrong intent often hide behind their behavior and mask what is in their hearts. I have said in the past that if you really want to know someone, go on vacation with them for ultimately their true character will come out. Most people can maintain the illusion that all is well for a day or two but if you are with them long enough, their true identity surfaces. If you simply purpose to walk and stand on the Truth, life becomes simple and pleasant.
People are often at odds with other people because of there being a lack of Love present in their relationship. If Love were present, each party would be willing to lay down their life for the other and thus no conflict would arise. But what if one does? Jesus instructs us to go to the other person and rectify the situation else judgment will ultimately arrive and neither party may want the result.
Everyone has an opinion and it may or may not be right. It may even be partially correct and contain some supporting facts. Truth provides the foundation for life to be lived to its fullest and any other position is subject to decline, destruction, and ultimately death. Jesus tells us to move toward peace and restoration with our others whom we have an association. Let us resolve our differences no matter who is at fault. In Ephesians chapter 4 by THE SPIRIT Paul wrote:
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another.
26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:do not let the sun go down on your wrath,
27 nor give place to the devil.
28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
If you take heed to these instructions, you will minimize any conflict with your brother. If he steals from you, be willing to forgive him and ask FATHER to restore the loss if appropriate. Was the theft do to a severe need that you could have helped fulfill but didn’t? The Truth must surface in order to resolve the intent of any hurtful action. Anger does not resolve the issue but knowing the Truth and discerning what Love would do in response will expose the root of the problem.
We must not let division keep us from the true Altar before FATHER. Our prayers will be hindered if we allow division, anger, bitterness, or other such issues prevail in our lives. If we do not keep the “slate” clean, we ultimately give place to the devil and then we wonder why our fruitfulness has become limited. Cancer can result from a person holding bitterness in the heart against another. Dr. Speckhart observed this reality in his oncology practice. Spiritual issues will present themselves emotionally and physically as well. Those who are in constant turmoil will have further complications which will hold them back from a fruitful and peaceful life.
Let us each walk in Love as our primary intent. Be quick to forgive and don’t sweat the loss of “things” but instead focus your time and attention on life and restoration of others. Yes, there may be times when judgment will be served but let it not be served on you. Walking in the Divine Intent of Love will keep any judgment from being visited upon you.
People focus on having a relationship with FATHER and that is good. In addition, they need to express Love and mercy to others in order that the flow remain unhindered. Become as a conduit and let the Love from FATHER be expressed through you to others. This is how the Kingdom will be spread throughout the earth. “Go ye into all the world” begins with the next person you encounter.