This post is Day 4 in a series of studies about “Remembering”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Remembering – Day 4

God sees what is happening in our hearts, and His plan is that our lives follow the example of Jesus and His way of loving others. The consequence of our actions may then inspire others and be instrumental in leading them to Jesus. Our behaviour must be a good example.

Matthew 5:23-24

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.

The Thought

This well known chapter which gives us The Beatitudes, when Jesus was telling us of several types of personality who will receive blessings, also tells us of the result of sin (v21-28) dispute (v38-40) and wrong thoughts (v28). Our verses today tell us clearly that remembering a past offence can negate the spiritual effect of any good things we might do. There is no point in my putting a generous offering in the church collection if my heart is not right with God!

How many of us are guilty of that? I suspect that many of us, much of the time, put money in the offering because it is a habit. Praise God that because of Jesus’s sacrifice, we can be quickly forgiven. But we must remember that knowing we can be forgiven does not mean we can do something we know is wrong today because we can pray for forgiveness tomorrow. That is not the way the Kingdom of God works.

God sees what is happening in our hearts, and His plan is that our lives follow Jesus’ example and His way of loving others. The consequence of our actions may then inspire others and be instrumental in leading them to Jesus. We are His children on the earth. Our behaviour must be a good example to all.

Action

Read Matthew 5 today and take serious note of anything The Lord might be highlighting for you as He prompts you to grow closer to Him. Pray for His help where needed to make the necessary changes. It might help also to talk to a good Christian friend or mentor and ask them to watch and encourage you in the right direction.

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