Sermon Audio: LINK
Welcome:
Last week we saw how Jesus rightly interpreted the Law of God regarding adultery, divorce, and making oaths. In our last sermon we saw that all three of these laws were really about pursuing an integrity of the heart, not merely exterior obedience. Today, we’ll continue our journey through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount by looking at Matthew 5:21–26, where Jesus continues to reveal the proper interpretation of God’s Law by addressing the topics of murder, anger, and hatred. As we will see, Christ shows us, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, how we’re called to set a different example for the world around us.
Before we open God’s Word, I’d also like to continue our weekly practice of praying for one of our sister churches in Goochland County. Scripture calls us to lift each other up, and I believe our Kingdom work is so much stronger when we see each other as partners rather than competitors. This week, we specifically want to remember Calvary Chapel Goochland and Pastor David Clark in our prayers. Let’s prepare our hearts to receive what God has for us today, and also unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters at Calvary Chapel Goochland.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts, ready to hear Your truth. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, and we ask that You would speak to us today in a way that transforms us. We also pray for Calvary Chapel Goochland and Pastor David Clark. Strengthen them, Lord. May their worship be filled with Your presence, their teaching be rooted in truth, and their love for their community reflect the heart of Jesus. Lord, search our hearts today. Where there is anger, bring healing. Where there is division, bring reconciliation. Where we need to change, give us the courage to surrender to You. May Your Spirit move in this place, shaping us into the people You have called us to be. We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Introduction: The Call to a Higher Righteousness
I want you to imagine standing before God, believing you have lived a good and righteous life, only to hear Him say, “You have obeyed the letter of the law, but your heart has remained far from Me.” Personally, I could not imagine a more horrible fate, and sadly this is a reality that some will awaken to on the day of judgment.
In our passage this morning, Jesus is not speaking to the obviously wicked, the openly sinful, or the lawbreakers of society. No, He is speaking to those who believe they are righteous. To those who have never committed murder, who have never taken a life, who have obeyed the commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exod. 20:13; Deut. 5:17), and believe they have done well.
But Jesus goes beyond the external act to reveal something deeper. He reveals that sin does not begin with the hands; it begins in the heart. The Pharisees taught that as long as you refrained from the act of murder, you were innocent. But Jesus says, “I say to you, everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment” (Matt. 5:22). He shows us that anger, hatred, and contempt are not lesser sins but the very root of murder itself.
Here, Jesus is not abolishing the law. Rather, He is fulfilling it. He is calling His followers to a righteousness that surpasses the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20), a righteousness that is not satisfied with outward obedience but demands inward transformation. He is reminding us that holiness is not just about avoiding sin, it is about having a heart that is pure before God.
This is the challenge. This is the invitation. Jesus is taking the old law and revealing its deeper, truer meaning, calling us beyond mere obedience to the kind of heart that reflects the very love and holiness of God.
The Law and Jesus’ Higher Standard (Matthew 5:21-22)
Let us begin with a simple truth: “murder is evil.” No one would argue otherwise. From the earliest days of humanity, when Cain struck down his brother Abel, the shedding of innocent blood has been condemned. And so, when God delivered His law to Moses, one of the foundational commands was this: “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13)
This commandment was clear, direct, and absolute. Life is sacred because it comes from God, and to take a life unjustly was to defy the Creator Himself. The law of Moses made this even more explicit: “Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.”(Exodus 21:12)
The Pharisees and religious leaders of Jesus’ day understood this commandment in the narrowest sense possible, they believed that as long as they had never physically taken a life, they were innocent. They measured righteousness only by external actions. If your hands were clean of blood, then your heart was of no concern.
But then, Jesus declares, “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.”
Do you see what He is doing? Jesus does not contradict the law. He fulfills it. He is not setting aside Moses; He is restoring God’s original intent. He is showing us that sin does not begin with the hands, it begins in the heart.
You may never have lifted a weapon against another person, but if you have harbored anger, you are guilty before God. You may have never committed murder, but if you have spoken words of contempt, you are in danger of judgment. You may have never taken an innocent life, but if you have looked at another person with hatred, Jesus says you have already planted the seed of murder within you.
This is a startling truth! Imagine the reaction of the crowd that day. The Pharisees stood confident in their own righteousness, yet Jesus declares that anger, insults, and contempt are just as worthy of judgment as the act of murder itself.
Why? Because murder does not appear out of nowhere. It begins as a thought. A resentment. A grudge. A quiet seething in the soul. Left unchecked, it festers, it grows, it takes root, and before long, it manifests in words, actions, and even violence.
The Dangers of Unchecked Anger
Jesus gives three escalating warnings. First, “Whoever is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” Second, “Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca’ will be liable to the council.” Third, “Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.” Do you see how it builds? It begins with anger, that silent rage in the heart. Then it moves to contempt, verbal insults that strip another of their dignity. And finally, it leads to dehumanization, viewing a person as worthless, unredeemable, undeserving of love.
This is how hatred grows. This is how wars begin. This is how racism, oppression, and violence take hold of a society. It all begins in the heart. This is why James writes: “With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:9-10)
Every time we insult another, we insult someone made in God’s image. Every time we hold onto bitterness, we allow murderous intent to take root in our soul. Jesus is not merely giving us a lesson on morality. He is showing us the path to true righteousness. A righteousness that is not merely about what we do, but about who we are.
Notice that Jesus does not simply warn against anger. He connects it to judgment. Anger leads to earthly judgment. Contempt leads to accountability before the council (a reference to the Sanhedrin, the highest Jewish court). Dehumanization leads to the fire of Gehenna. Gehenna was literally a garbage dump where trash and refuge were thrown in and burned up. It was a symbol of final divine punishment. Jesus is showing us that no sin is insignificant in the eyes of God. The smallest seed of anger, if left unchecked, can lead to eternal consequences.
So what is the solution? The world tells us to hold onto our anger, to demand punishment, to refuse forgiveness. But Jesus calls us to something greater. Later in this passage, Jesus will tell us that reconciliation is more important than worship. That forgiveness is more important than holding onto a grudge. That peace is more important than proving we are right. And why? Because this is the heart of God.
God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Exod. 34:6). Christ, when He was insulted and mocked, did not retaliate but entrusted Himself to the Father (1 Pet. 2:23). On the cross, as men crucified Him, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
As imitators of Christ, this is our call. To not only avoid murder, but to purge our hearts of hatred. To not only refrain from evil, but to actively pursue reconciliation. So I ask you today: Is there anger in your heart that you have refused to surrender? Is there a grudge you have held onto for too long? Is there a relationship that needs healing, a word that needs to be spoken, a sin that needs to be confessed?
Jesus is calling us to something greater. To a righteousness that does not just appear holy on the outside, but is transformed from within. Because in Christ, old things pass away and behold, all things are made new.
The Path to Reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24)
We have seen the devastating effects of anger and contempt. We have learned that these are not minor flaws but deep-rooted sins that poison relationships and separate us from God. Now thankfully Jesus does not just diagnose the problem. He also provides the solution. That solution is reconciliation.
Jesus does not merely tell us to avoid anger. He calls us to pursue peace. He does not just say, “Do not hate your brother.” He commands us to go and make things right. And here, in Matthew 5:23-24, He gives us a radical teaching that challenges our pride, tests our humility, and redefines the meaning of true worship.
Imagine a devout Jew traveling to the temple in Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice. He has journeyed for days, carrying his gift, preparing his heart to worship. He finally reaches the altar, ready to present his offering before God. But in that moment, he remembers there is someone back home who has something against him. There is unresolved conflict, an offense that has not been made right. Jesus says, stop. Leave your gift at the altar and go. Make peace first, then return and offer your worship.
This is a shocking command. In Jewish tradition, offering a sacrifice at the temple was one of the highest acts of devotion. But Jesus is saying that reconciliation takes precedence even over worship. God does not want our gifts if our hearts are not right. He does not desire our songs and prayers if we are at war with our brother. He does not accept sacrifice when our souls are filled with bitterness. True worship is not just about bringing something to God, it is about being right with one another.
This truth echoes throughout Scripture. In Leviticus 19:17, God commands, “You shall not hate your brother in your heart.” In Isaiah 1, He rebukes Israel’s sacrifices, saying He takes no delight in their burnt offerings because they neglect justice and mercy. In 1 Samuel 15:22, the prophet declares that obedience is better than sacrifice. Over and over again, God makes it clear that worship is empty if it is not accompanied by righteousness.
Jesus’ command is even more challenging because He says, “If your brother has something against you.” He does not say, “If you have something against your brother.” This changes everything. We might be tempted to say, “I didn’t do anything wrong,” or “They should come to me,” or “I’m waiting for them to apologize.” But Jesus removes every excuse. He does not tell us to wait. He tells us to go.
Paul echoes this in Romans 12:18 when he writes, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” In other words, we must do everything within our power to restore peace. Even if we were only partly wrong, we should go and make things right. Even if they have not apologized, we should take the first step. Even if we feel justified in our anger, we must seek reconciliation.
I want to issue a caveat here. I have never seen more anger and hatred in my lifetime than I see in the realm of politics these days. It has deeply troubled my soul. I’m not talking about politicians either. I’m talking about the way we as Christian citizens feel no conviction about the way we talk to and about those who do not share our political convictions. Now please don’t twist my words or misunderstand me. I am not saying be a-political. We have a vote and a voice, and as citizens I believe we should promote the common good and work to constrain evil in our land.
What I am saying is that when people disagree, even if they hate us first, we do not have permission from our King to hate them in return. You can be angered at injustice and fight for justice, but you do not have permission to hate the unjust, the wicked, or even those who empower them. Hear the words of Jesus:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 4:43-48, ESV)
If that bothers you, pray hard for your own heart to be softened. Make no mistake, anything less is disobedience to Christs. Anything less is sin. We ignore this clear command of King Jesus at our own peril.
You might be tempted to ask, doesn’t that let evil get away with evil? The answer is no. God establishes earthly governments to punish evil and promote justice here and now. If you are called to serve as a police officer, a lawmaker, or a judge then you should do your job knowing that you will give an account to God for how you stewarded your authority. However, even if our institutions of justice fail us we know that no one escapes ultimate justice on the day of judgment. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19, ESV).
Reconciliation is not about who is more guilty. It is about who is more willing to follow Christ’s example. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:31-32 that we are to put away all bitterness, wrath, and anger and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us. We cannot hold onto anger and at the same time receive the grace of God. If we truly love God, we will love our neighbor. If we truly desire to honor Him, we will humble ourselves and seek peace.
Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23-24 reveal an important truth: worship is not rejected, but it is put on hold until reconciliation is pursued. The altar remains open, but God is more concerned with the state of our heart than the size of our offering. Our prayers are hindered when we hold onto anger. Our service is meaningless when we refuse to forgive. We cannot be right with God while refusing to be right with others.
This means we must act. Is there someone you have wronged? Go and make it right. Is there someone who has something against you? Go and seek peace. Is there a relationship in your life that has been broken for too long? Take the first step. Do not wait. Do not delay. Jesus says, go. God desires a heart free from anger more than hands full of offerings. True worship is not just about what we give to God; it is about how we love one another. In Christ, old things pass away, and all things are made new.
The Urgency of Peacemaking (Matthew 5:25-26)
We have seen that true worship is impossible when relationships remain broken. Now, Jesus presses the point further, teaching us that peacemaking is not just important. It is urgent. Time is not on our side when it comes to conflict. The longer we wait to resolve our disputes, the more they grow, the more damage they cause, and the more difficult they become to repair. Jesus warns us that delayed reconciliation carries serious consequences, both in our earthly relationships and in our standing before God.
To make this clear, He gives us another powerful illustration. In Matthew 5:25-26, Jesus paints the picture of a man being taken to court by his accuser. The case has been set, the legal process is underway, and if nothing is done, judgment is inevitable. But Jesus interrupts the scene with a command: “Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court.” In other words, make peace before it’s too late.
Jesus speaks in terms of a legal dispute, but His point extends far beyond the courtroom. Whether in financial matters or personal relationships, unresolved disputes do not resolve themselves. They escalate. Anyone who has ever let a misunderstanding fester knows this to be true. A small offense, when ignored, turns into a deep wound. A minor disagreement, when left unresolved, can break a friendship. A moment of anger, when replayed over and over again, can harden into lifelong bitterness. This is why Paul urges in Romans 14:19, “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Peace requires effort. It does not happen by accident. And the longer we delay, the harder it becomes.
In Jesus’ illustration, the man on his way to court has a choice. He can hold on to his pride, refuse to settle, and let the judge decide his fate. Or, he can humble himself, seek reconciliation, and avoid the penalty that awaits him. The lesson is clear: fix the problem before it reaches the judge. Do not let anger drag you further down the road toward destruction. Settle things quickly: before bitterness takes root, before resentment builds, before the consequences become unavoidable.
Notice what Jesus says: “Come to terms quickly with your accuser.” Some versions translated this as “Reach agreement,” “Reconcile,” or even “Make friends.” Regardless of your translation, this does not mean to compromise truth or to give in to injustice. It means to approach conflict with a spirit of humility and grace, seeking resolution more than victory. As a pastor, one of the reasons I struggle to lose weight is because I have to swallow so much pride on a daily basis. Disagreements are inevitable, but when we disagree we should ask ourselves what are we prioritizing. Do we want to honor God, restore our brother/sister, or do we want to win and preserve our pride?
The attitude we bring to a conflict often determines its outcome. When we come with anger, we fuel the fire. When we come with pride, we make reconciliation impossible. But when we come with a willingness to listen, a readiness to forgive, and a heart that seeks peace, walls begin to crumble.
But what happens when reconciliation is ignored? Jesus warns us what the outcome will be. The conflict in his parable begins with an accusation, but when no effort is made to settle it, the case goes before the judge. The judge rules, the officer enforces the sentence, and the person is thrown into prison until the last penny is paid.
In ancient times, debtors were often imprisoned until their debt was fully satisfied. There was no way out except for the full payment. In the same way, Jesus warns that anger, bitterness, and unresolved sin can imprison the soul. The longer we allow conflict to go unresolved, the more it controls us, the heavier the burden becomes, and the greater the price we will have to pay.
Some early Church Fathers saw an even deeper meaning in this passage. Jerome, a great fourth century Christian writer, suggested that the “accuser” in Jesus’ illustration could represent the Holy Spirit or even our own conscience, pleading with us to make things right before it is too late. Likewise Origen, a disciple of John the Apostle, took this even further, warning that the phrase “while you are on the way” is a reference to our time on earth. Once we stand before the divine Judge, there is no negotiating, no second chances. The time to make peace is now.
It is a scary thought, but God gives us righteous fear to lead us to repentance and restoration while there is still time. We make a mistake if we think Jesus’ teaching here is only about avoiding earthly lawsuits or settling financial debts. This is about the spiritual urgency of reconciliation. When we hold onto anger, we place ourselves on a path toward judgment. The longer we resist making things right, the harder our hearts become. And just like the debtor who finds himself in prison, we may discover too late that the cost of unforgiveness is more than we can afford to pay.
This is why Jesus says, “Come to terms quickly.” Do not let pride hold you back. Do not assume time will heal the wound. Do not wait for the other person to make the first move. The sooner you seek peace, the sooner you will be free.
Conclusion:
As we bring this sermon to a close, we need to remember the message at the heart of all of this. Jesus is teaching us that, if we want to be truly righteous, we must go beyond avoiding outward sins and allow God to transform our inner lives. Jesus does not merely call us to live without hatred; He commands us to actively pursue love and reconciliation. Just as God, through Christ, reconciled us to Himself, we are called to be peacemakers in our own relationships. So, what does this mean for us today? Is there someone in your life with whom you need to make peace? Is there a relationship that has been strained for too long? Is there an unresolved offense that weighs on your heart?
Daily Devotionals
Monday: The Call to a Higher Righteousness
Scripture Reading:
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:20, ESV
Devotional
Righteousness is not merely about following rules. It is about transformation of the heart. Jesus makes this clear when He tells His disciples that their righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. To many, this must have seemed impossible. The Pharisees were known for their strict observance of the law, but Jesus reveals that true righteousness is not about external obedience alone. It is about the condition of the heart.
This is the foundation of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:21-26. The Pharisees believed they were righteous because they had never committed murder, but Jesus challenges this mindset. Sin does not begin with the hands; it begins in the heart. Anger, hatred, and contempt are the seeds of destruction, and Jesus calls us to root them out before they take hold. He does not want mere rule-followers; He wants transformed hearts.
As we embark on this six-day devotional, let us open our hearts to the convicting words of Christ. Where have we settled for outward obedience while neglecting the inward condition of our soul? Where do we need to let Christ do a deeper work in us? The path to righteousness is not about religious performance. It is about a heart yielded to God.
Reflection Questions
- How do you define righteousness? How does Jesus’ definition challenge your understanding?
- Are there areas in your life where you focus more on outward behavior than inward transformation?
- What does it mean for your righteousness to “exceed” that of the Pharisees?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I desire to be truly righteous in Your sight. Not with a righteousness of my own, but with a heart that reflects Your love and holiness. Search me and reveal any areas where I have focused more on external actions than true heart transformation. Change me from the inside out, that I may walk in a righteousness that pleases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday: The Root of Sin
Scripture Reading:
“Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” – 1 John 3:15, ESV
Devotional
We often think of sin in terms of actions; murder, theft, or adultery. But Jesus teaches that sin begins long before it is acted upon. Hatred, anger, and bitterness are the seeds from which sinful actions grow. Just as a tree does not suddenly appear without first being planted as a seed, so too does murder not happen without first taking root in the heart.
John echoes Jesus’ teaching by saying that hatred itself is a form of murder. This is a sobering thought. We may never commit physical violence, but if we harbor resentment, refuse to forgive, or view others with contempt, we have already allowed the spirit of murder into our hearts. Jesus calls us to be vigilant, to examine our emotions and thoughts, and to uproot any bitterness before it bears fruit.
God is not only concerned with what we do but with who we are becoming. If we allow anger to fester, it will consume us. But if we surrender our hearts to Christ, He will replace our anger with love, our bitterness with peace, and our hatred with grace. The question is, are we willing to let Him do this work in us?
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever allowed anger to shape your thoughts or actions toward another person?
- Why do you think Jesus equates hatred with murder?
- What practical steps can you take to uproot bitterness in your heart?
Prayer
Lord, I confess that there have been times when I have harbored anger and resentment in my heart. I do not want to let bitterness take root in me. Help me to see others as You see them, to love even when it is difficult, and to forgive as You have forgiven me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday: The Power of Our Words
Scripture Reading:
“With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” – James 3:9-10, ESV
Devotional
Words have power. They can build up or tear down, heal or wound, encourage or destroy. Jesus warns that even our words of contempt, calling someone “Raca” (a term of insult) or “You fool!” can make us liable to judgment. Why? Because our words reflect the state of our hearts.
James reminds us that we cannot bless God while cursing those made in His image. Every insult, every demeaning word, every moment of verbal contempt is an attack on someone whom God created and loves. It reveals a heart that is not aligned with Christ’s. If we belong to Jesus, our words should reflect His love, grace, and truth.
Consider the words you have spoken this week. Have they brought life or death? Have they reflected the love of Christ? If not, ask God to transform your heart, for “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45).
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever spoken words in anger that you later regretted?
- How can you be more intentional about using your words to build others up?
- What do your words reveal about the condition of your heart?
Prayer
Father, forgive me for the times I have used my words carelessly. Teach me to speak with wisdom, kindness, and love. Let my words reflect Your grace and truth. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thursday: The Priority of Reconciliation
Scripture Reading:
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24, ESV
Devotional
Worship is essential, but Jesus tells us that reconciliation is even more urgent. Imagine standing in a church service, hands lifted in worship, but deep in your heart, you know that there is unresolved conflict with someone. Jesus says, before you offer your worship, go and make peace.
God cares more about the state of your heart than the words of your prayers. He does not want empty sacrifice. He wants true holiness. Reconciliation is a form of worship, for it reflects the very heart of God, who made peace with us through Christ. When we forgive, when we humble ourselves, when we seek restoration, we are living out the gospel.
Who do you need to reconcile with today? Do not put it off. Go, seek peace, and then come back to the altar with a heart that is right before God.
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think Jesus prioritizes reconciliation over worship?
- Is there anyone you need to reconcile with today?
- What is holding you back from taking the first step?
Prayer
Lord, give me the humility and courage to seek reconciliation where it is needed. Show me any broken relationships that need healing, and help me to take the first step, even when it is hard. Thank You for making peace with me through Jesus. Let me extend that same grace to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday: The Urgency of Peacemaking
Scripture Reading:
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” – Romans 12:18, ESV
Devotional
Conflict is inevitable in life, but unresolved conflict is dangerous. Jesus warns in Matthew 5:25-26 that delaying reconciliation can lead to greater consequences. The longer we wait, the more bitterness can grow, the more relationships can be damaged, and the harder it becomes to make things right. That is why Paul urges us to make every effort to live in peace with others.
Peacemaking is not passive; it requires intentional effort. It means setting aside pride, choosing humility, and valuing relationships more than personal victory. It also means recognizing that we cannot control how others respond, but we can control our own actions. Paul says, “So far as it depends on you,” meaning we are responsible for taking the first step toward peace, even if the other person does not respond the way we hope.
What conflict in your life have you been avoiding? Have you been waiting for the other person to make the first move? Jesus calls us to act now. Do not let time harden your heart or complicate the situation further. Seek peace while there is still time.
Reflection Questions
- Is there a conflict in your life that you have been putting off resolving?
- What holds you back from pursuing peace with someone?
- How does knowing that Jesus pursued peace with us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8) challenge your approach to reconciliation?
Prayer
Father, I confess that sometimes I avoid difficult conversations and put off reconciliation. But I know You have called me to be a peacemaker. Give me the courage to take the first step, the humility to admit my faults, and the grace to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me to live in peace with others as far as it depends on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday: Trusting God with Justice
Scripture Reading:
“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’” – Romans 12:19, ESV
Devotional
One of the hardest parts of reconciliation is letting go of our desire for justice. When we have been wronged, it is natural to want the other person to suffer consequences for their actions. But Jesus teaches us to seek peace, not revenge. Paul reminds us in Romans 12:19 that justice belongs to God. We are called to trust Him with the outcome.
When we hold onto anger and refuse to forgive, we are placing ourselves in the role of judge. But only God sees the full picture. Only He knows the motives of the heart. Only He can administer perfect justice. When we surrender our anger to Him, we are not excusing sin or pretending the hurt did not happen. We are simply choosing to trust that God will handle it better than we ever could.
Is there someone you need to release into God’s hands? Someone who has hurt you, but you are still holding onto resentment? Forgiveness does not mean pretending the pain did not happen, it means entrusting justice to God. Let Him carry that burden. Let Him be the Judge. Choose the path of peace, and trust that He will make all things right in His time.
Reflection Questions
- Have you ever struggled to let go of a hurt because you wanted justice?
- How does trusting God with justice free you from the burden of anger and revenge?
- What step can you take today to surrender your bitterness to God?
Prayer
Lord, I struggle to let go of hurts, especially when I feel wronged. But I know that justice belongs to You. Help me to trust You with the things I cannot control. Teach me to release my anger and resentment, knowing that You are the perfect Judge. Fill my heart with Your peace and let me reflect Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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