Whenever we have communion our Pastor says something to the effect that if your heart isn’t in the right place at that moment, if you’re holding onto negative feelings such as anger, jealousy, or resentment, pray about it, fix it, but don’t take communion when you’re wrestling with those feelings. When I came across today’s Bible verse, I thought of him saying that, and one time when I did not take communion because of the darkness of my heart.
It was a difficult decision not to take communion. My heart actually ached as I passed the plate without accepting Jesus’ gift. I realized that every time I have those negative feelings and don’t try to resolve the issue that causes them, I’m not adhering to what God calls us to do.
Having those types of feelings can at times, feel almost comforting. We feel justified or vindicated. We may even feel like we’re handling the situation. All of that is Satan. He’s the one whispering to us to hang onto the resentment. He’s the one filling us with pride that we’re right and the other person is wrong. He tells us not to reach out, not to pray about it, not to talk to the other person.
As we’ve seen in the Bible verses this week, God wants us–no, He instructs us, to reach out and resolve our conflicts with one another. He tells us how to go about it. We are here to love one another, to love each other as ourselves (Mark 12:31).
Are you holding onto negative feelings toward someone? Go now and fix it.
Bible Verse of the Day
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
Prayer
Lord, Father, we come to You today in brokenness and humility to ask that You give us the encouragement to mend our relationships. Some of them may seem impossible to fix, but nothing is impossible with You so we pray for Your wisdom in how to proceed. In Jesus’ most precious name, we pray. Amen.
If you personally are good in all of your relationships (and even if you’re not) please also pray for those who are going through a rough time with someone they love or who are feeling isolated right now: K., S., J., C., T., L., A. Share the love and healing power of Christ Jesus. Pray that the non-believers above will hear the gospel and come to faith.
