April 10, 2021 CAC Living Water Devotional : Topic – TRUE APOLOGY (1)
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LIVING WATER CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Saturday, April 10, 2021
TRUE APOLOGY (1)
Read: Matthew 5:20-24
Matthew 5:20-24 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.
“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.’
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[c] 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.
“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.
MEMORISE: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
(Matthew 6:12)
EXPOSITION
As human who are still living we are bound to make mistakes, and most of these mistakes may be offences to some people, inflicting pains and argument, and misunderstanding are often close by, and if not well managed, such can lead to major offence between one or more persons. The issues here is the act of amending these differences, offences which are already part of our lives, at home, work, church, school, and our social environment. How we manage these offences and dispute matters.
As believers, we are admonished to learn how to settle every dispute/differences among ourselves. The word SORRY which connotes APOLOGY shouldn’t be too difficult to be said from us. It is like a soft answer that can turn away wrath (Prov.15:1). A true apology is not just the admittance of mistakes but realising where you went wrong, how it had hurt others, and how you can improve so that it doesn’t happen again (Prov.26:11).
Our Lord challenges us that reconciliation with those we have dispute with matters a lot. Our gifts as the altar may be meaningless if our differences with others are not settled. Get it right with men and you will be at peace with God (Heb.12:14).
If anyone had genuinely received the forgiveness from God, through Jesus Christ, such would continue to appreciate God, forever. For such, it would not be difficult to forgive whoever offends him/her. Remember, the practical illustration from Jesus (Mat.18:21-35).
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, I receive the grace to humbly apologise whenever I have errend.
2. Lord, I receive the grace to forgive others who have offended me.
3. Pray that the spirit of sincere apology will be given to believers.
EXTRA READINGS FOR TODAY: Joshua 19:15-21:18; Luke 9:22-9:43