What’s Love got to do with it?
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:23-24; Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus’ call to reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24 is challenging. Jesus indicates our relationship with God is reflected in our relationship with others. As you read and pray today, you are invited to explore the command to leave our ‘gift at the altar’ to mend broken relationships. The urgency to reconcile speaks volumes about how God values love and unity among His people.
- Is there someone you need to seek reconciliation with?
- How might resolving interpersonal conflicts radically change your relationship with God?
- What prevents you from reaching out to someone in conflict?
Prayer: Pray for the courage to take the first step towards reconciliation. Ask God to heal any wounds from past conflicts with others. How does the possibility of reconciliation impact your relationship with God?
Reconciliation is at the heart of the commands found in Matthew 22:37-40. The essence of our faith is message in Jesus’ response in Matthew 22. Loving God and our neighbors is our response to God’s grace. The call to “love your neighbor as yourself” challenges us to examine how love is shown through our daily interactions. As you read and pray today allow the Holy Spirit to take you deeper into what it means to love genuinely and sacrificially.
- In what ways can you love someone difficult in your life?
- Have you placed conditions on your love for others? What would it look like to let go of those conditions?
Prayer: Ask God to show you specific ways to love others genuinely. Pray for God to reveal any barriers in your life that prevent you from loving others, then ask for strength to overcome barriers to love.
Reconciliation with God and others removes barriers to relationship with God. By removing these barriers we better position and posture ourselves to pray in ways that align our will with God, and help us to see our burdens and needs through God’s eyes.