Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility
consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others
(Philippians 2:3-4).
We live in an age of deliberate separation.
We easily make decisions that affect others while only considering the
way it effects us individually. We have little difficulty absolving
ourselves of responsibility for our actions if at times those actions
are most beneficial to our own personal desires.
In Romans 12, Paul tells us that we should "be devoted to one another
in brotherly love." That we should, "Honor one another above
yourselves." In verse 13 he encourages us to, "Rejoice with
those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn," and to "live
in harmony with one another."
If we pursue what is in our best interest, we cannot ignore the fact
that what we do effects those around us. And while we might not always
make popular decisions, we cannot turn away and simply say, "I
have done no wrong," or "I have done all I can." While
there are still those who have been hurt, or those who have been offended--there
is also a need for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation. Letting
bygones be bygones is not a viable solution if forgiveness does not
accompany. Sweeping broken relationships and fractured fellowship under
the rug does not repair a problem--it only causes the rug to be lumpy.
And even once the fragments under the rug have been trampled by the
footsteps of time, there will always be something of it remaining--regardless
how visible it is to the eye.
Few of us handle confrontation well. It is a creature that frightens
us and instills within us a desire to turn tail and run completely away.
But confrontation is the doorway to forgiveness, and a doorway that
must be walked through if true forgiveness, and peace, is ever to be
found.
We have all made mistakes and we have all caused strife within our relationships,
whether inadvertently or not. But we do not have to let circumstances
lay, saying, "what's done is done," and seek to absolve ourselves
of personal responsibility. Instead, we can go to our brother or sister
and seek their forgiveness. For there comes a time when it does not
matter who was wrong to begin with--as long as both harbor resentment
there will be no peace.
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 (Mt.5:23-24).
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