In Leviticus 7:1,6 it tells us, "The sacrifice to make things right is very sacred...very holy."
I'm one of those people who is not at rest until whatever has gone wrong is made right. Are you like that, too? If there's a to-do with someone about something, I have to make it right. Sometimes I can't. Perhaps, the other person isn't ready to meet me part way so we can forgive each other. It saddens me to have a relationship broken, for any reason.
This verse, however, suggests....( I say suggests, but it was an order in Old Testament times.)....there needs to be a sacrifice before things can be made right. It also suggests this action is very holy and sacred.
But what kind of sacrifice does God look for today? A fast? A good deed? If I want to make things right with another person, I must go to that person and humbly accept my role in the break in our relationship...and expect nothing! In a break of my relationship with God, I would fast and then pray.
I have no helpful story of the past in making things right. I have nothing to crow about! There are many situations in the past where I might have used this advice. But, oftentimes I did not. I have a huge pride that wants the other fellow to see his part in the wrong, and waiting for an apology has never helped my situation. How about you, my friend?
God expects me to be smarter and more able to put into good use those things the Bible spells out for us. Yes, it is a sacrifice to admit we are wrong; it is a sacrifice of our own pride! But what a good thing to sacrifice! Let's stop and think about what it is that holds us back from an apology. Yep! Pride! So, even if the other guy doesn't want to bend at all! We must; for our own souls, we must sacrifice and make things right in order to keep our world sacred and holy.
At every impasse, Lord, point us in the right direction, please! And remind us to keep our lives sacred and holy by offering a needed apology. Amen.
Jo INMN
No comments:
Post a Comment