“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” (I John 1:9 NLT)
Here is a short lesson that will not keep you from getting to Sunday morning worship service. You know by now that the three principles that govern the church are love, forgiveness, and quick reconciliation. Here’s the lesson: You cannot pick one of the three principles and apply it in isolation, expecting it to remedy a problem, a particular issue, or a pause of peaceful existence in a relationship. For if you love, you will forgive, and if you love, reconciliation takes place. As we look at how God collaborates with us, looking at the opening verse, we find the words “if” and “He is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us”.” God is love, and He loves even the worst of us, hoping to bring the best out of us. The Lord will forgive, but first we have to reconcile with Him be repentance; not expressed in words but by genuine and sincere, changed behavior. The former must precede the latter.
After years of doing pastoral counseling, on more than one occasion I have heard one the two parties in a relationship (i.e., marriage) say, “Let’s just put all that behind and start all over.” Really? I think that does not work in many cases and thus it is merely superficial, and the fix forged is only temporary.
Where is the acknowledgement that forgiveness is being sought? Where are the words, “I’m truly sorry, from the bottom of my heart?” We need to adopt the “If” word and all the implications that come with that one short word as expressed in the scripture above. Only then does the grudge get on its way. Only then can the separating issues be shut up. Only then can the hurtful things that we have done or said be hurriedly dismissed. Only then can discard be disqualified as a factor in a relationship.
When you have a relationship issue in any arena of life, remember what you have read this morning. Now, go enjoy service. Oh, the closing verse also helps support my premise. Be blessed!
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there 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 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King