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Having missed the sermon while teaching the children in Junior Church I thought I would take a moment to reflect on something that I am currently reading. Pastor Cliff had an excellent series  a few years ago, perhaps taken from this very book.  The book is divided into four parts: 1. Glorify God, 2. Get the Log Out of Your Eye, 3. Gently Restore, 4. Go and Be Reconciled. Here is an excerpt from Part 2, Chapter 4.
"...consider the cost of unresolved conflict. Conflict is often much more expensive than we expect it to be. Unresolved disputes can consume large amounts of time, energy, and money, leaving you emotionally and spiritually exhausted. Worst of all, as long as a disagreement is unresolved, there is the potential for further damage to a relationship. This is one of the reasons for Jesus' command to settle disputes with others as quickly as possible."
Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
*****
Yikes, I don't want to be imprisoned in a dungeon of self-pity, resentment, or bitterness. How about you? If we want to live in obedience to God and His Word we have no choice but to attempt reconciliation...scary, painful, difficult as it may be. Thankfully, there is a promise... the God who saved us, loves us, and calls us His own will be with us and pour out His grace upon us and upon our adversaries. Hallelujah.

May God bless us all this week as we endeavor to serve one another, reach the lost, and bring glory to His name! Love and Peace, Betsy