Peace

“But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother ‘Raca’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin, but anyone who says ‘you fool’ is in danger of the fire of hell. Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Mt 5:22-24)

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written, ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.  On the contrary: ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rm 12:18-21).

Relationships are important to God.  Peace and reconciliation are the salve God has given us for broken relationships.

In the first set of verses, the Lord is concerned that we do not harden our hearts against those who are offended at us.  He does not lay blame, such as in the court of the Sanhedrin.  It is a spiritual court that will decide if we cared enough about our brother to smooth over our differences, or not. We are to make peace with those we have differences with here on earth, for what we do not settle here will be settled there, after death.  It may not go favorably for the one offended at you . . . . is that what we want?  Do we harden our hearts because we want God to judge someone?  This is not the attitude of Christ.

When we go to the brother who is offended at us we are giving him a chance to be at peace.  That is what our attitude, our desire should be for our brothers . . . peace and reconciliation.  Then love of all men will deepen.  But if we say “it is his problem” and separate ourselves from our brother, a schism will form that will be filled in with bitterness.

If we do not forgive our brother, the offence we remember against him may very well be based on truth and our hardness therefore may seem justified.  But is the truth of the offense so important that we are hardened by it against our brother?  Rather, why not hold truth in righteousness, forgiving and reconciling our brother to God?

In the second set of versus, we see that God has the rightful place of handling offenses that lead to punishment.   We have the capability to overcome evil with good, therefore He asks us to forgive and to reconcile.  He is the God of peace.  It is a spiritual battle, and our enemy is satan. God is as concerned with us overcoming evil as He is concerned with dealing with the evil one;

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Rom 16:20)

The message is clear; do not issue judgment on our brother here on earth, for that is the Lord’s place. Seek peace and reconciliation, and love our brother’s soul.  Leave the rest to God, hoping for a good outcome for everyone involved.  Amen.