~ Settle Up Sooner ~

[Lani]

Read: Matthew 5:21-25 http://www.christianityoasis.com/bible/ ... ld_lookup=

Verse: Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? Amos 3:3 (NIV)

"Sometimes when I'm walking to warm up before I run, I get a small pebble in my shoe. At first I simply ignore it, but the more I do, the bigger that pebble seems to become. When I can't stand it any longer and the pebble feels like it has grown into a stone, I stop and empty my shoe. I think to myself, Why did I wait so long to empty my shoe and get rid of the pain?

This reminds me of the advice Jesus gives us in Matthew 5:25 to "settle matters quickly" when we are at odds with another person. Whatever has occurred between us and a friend to upset us will not change. It only seems to grow and get worse the longer we wait. But when we settle up sooner, we save ourselves unnecessary suffering.

Prayer: Dear Lord, give us the wisdom and the willingness to say we are sorry sooner rather than later. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Someone holding a Grudge

Thought for the Day: Whether we are asking forgiveness or offering it, God is pleased.



Story shared by: T. Hite (VA)
Source: UpperRoom Daily Devotional 5/1/11