“There’s two opinions, yours and the right one!” Have you heard that one? There are many more just like it. We laugh about them because- because what? Because they’re true to how we think? What do we have against being w____? Friendships die, marriages dissolve, work relationships corrode, all because not one of us is willing to admit that we might have been what- unright? Go ahead and say it- the “w” word- w-r-o-n-g!
Some time back, I was in a conversation with some colleagues and one made a critical comment about something I said. So, I claimed my “right” to respond unkindly. That was wrong of me. The actions of others, right or wrong, should never justify wrong actions on my part.
It took me several hours, but I finally listened to Spirit prompting that led me to apologize to the individual and to do so in front of the same group. That is rarely an easy thing to do.
“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. Matthew 5:23-24
Is Jesus saying that asking forgiveness is more important than worshiping Him? Hmmm. One thing I know. Jesus’ ministry was all about mending broken relationships. Relationships between Him and us. Relationships between us as humans. He knows that harboring ill against another, or causing another to have bad feelings against us not only blocks our earthly relationships, but can get in the way of our heavenly ones.
Jesus is Love. Anything that is not about love will prevent us from connecting to Him. Is there a fence that needs mending in your life? A wrong that needs righting? Remember that fault is not an issue here. Reconciling is. Don’t wait for the other person to act. You take the first step. Hit the PAUSE button on your day and reach out to someone with forgiveness in your heart. Do it today!
shared in the workplace 10/5/2009