Practice Forgiveness

“Therefore, 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.”

Matthew 5:23-24

Would you say that you are a sinner? Well, sure if you claim Christ as Savior.  Now let me ask: have you sinned in the last day or so? Again, you’d nod ‘yes.’ Okay, so: When is the last time you asked someone to forgive you? Was it a week ago? A month? A year ago? If you haven’t made a fairly recent transaction of forgiveness, you may be a ‘theoretical sinner;’ that is, a Christian whose self-estimation is far different than God’s view of your spiritual condition.  Matthew 5, says that if you have offended someone (and it happens so often), “go and be reconciled to your brother; then offer your gift.” And you can’t offer a better gift to God than agreeing with his view of your spiritual condition. So whether the offense is small or great, keep shortlists. Ask for forgiveness!