Matthew 5:21-26 (NLT) 21“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of [Gehenna]. 23So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”
Until recently, my view of this passage focused upon the wrong of others done to me. What a shock to finally catch a glimpse of the meaning of this passage from a different perspective. You see, careful examination of verses 23 and 25 reveal the truth. Allow me to paraphrase: If I remember suddenly that someone has something against me… means that I am at fault (v. 23). Likewise, the use of the term “your accuser” also indicates that I am at fault (v.25). The clear implication is that I have somehow wronged someone in either word or deed. Harmony must somehow be restored. As I become aware of the situation, the responsibility falls upon my own shoulders to make it right; that is, it is incumbent upon me to restore harmony.
There is another thread running through this passage. It is a sense of urgency. Not only am I the one responsible for initiating reconciliation, but I am urged to do it without procrastination. Settle matters quickly!
What a difference a matter of perspective can make!
Gracious Heavenly Father, our LORD God Almighty,
Show us where harmony needs to be restored. Grant us courage and resolve to make reconciliation with one another through your great love for us.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior, Amen.
The devotion A Matter of Perspective was originally written for Saturday, August 13, 2016; for Maranatha Devotional Guide, an Advent Christian Publication https://acgc.us As the original author of this devotion, I reserve the right to update and share it on my current devotional blog Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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