Fast Forward Day 13—Something Against You
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. (Matt 5:23-24 NIV)
I rose early this morning (as most every morning) to read my Bible and pray. In doing so, I came across this verse and I believe the Lord had something He wanted to show me.
Offense is not a popular topic of ministry these days, but what damage it does to the praying man or woman of God! Offense—the secret sin. Offense—on the outside we are fine but on the inside, we struggle with scars and wounds that generally come as a result of being offended. Spouses, friends, parents have all said or done things that have brought the opportunity for offense. Now, the purpose of this blog entry is not to teach on offense. John Bevere’s incredible book, The Bait of Satan, deals with this subject and I would highly recommend, if you have not read it, to do so.
I was quickened in my spirit how fruitless it is, if we want to draw closer to God (and I do), that we consecrate our temples through prayer and fasting (and I am) and have “something” against my brother, or rather, that he/she has something against me.
So I begin praying and asking God to reveal any known offenses that I was aware of. I know this might sound petty, but friend, I don’t want anyone or anything to hold me back or keep me from the promises of God being fulfilled in my life. And you know what, it didn’t take me too long to be reminded of some issues (as small as they may be) that I need to take care of.
I was reminded of 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 (NLT) which says, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged”.
Do you want answers to your prayers? Do you want God’s Holy Spirit active in your life? Do you want the time that you spend “dying to your flesh” to count for something? Friend, ask the Lord to reveal the areas that need to be freed from the sin of offense, go and make things right, and God will see you heart and answer your cry!