Fast Day 11

Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)

Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

While seeking God in prayer, worship, and fasting, if you realize there are unresolved offenses with others we are told very clearly from scripture to leave our “gift” and resolve the issue first. What is important to highlight from this verse is that you may not be the one carrying the offense against someone else. God is saying remember if “someone has something against you.”

If you can think of an offense or hurt that is causing someone in your relational world to be offended, whether the offense is legitimate or they are believing a lie, then we are to stop and seek a resolution with that person. If you have done all you can to resolve the issue and the person is unwilling, then don’t hold onto guilt, you are free to move on and seek God with a clear conscience.

If you are holding an offense against someone, seek to bring a resolution today. There are many times people may offend us and not even realize they have done so. Jesus said in Luke 17:1 “It is impossible that no offenses should come.” We therefore cannot avoid them, but we can definitely do our part to resolve offenses, so that are hearts remain clean and clear before God.

Prayer Focus

• Ask the Lord if there is anyone you need to call, text, or visit to work through some unresolved offense they have against you.

• Ask the Lord to reveal to you any offenses you are still carrying and whether you are to seek that person out to resolve the issue.

• Ask the Lord to heal your heart of any wounds and hurts, and to lift off any guilt or condemnation where you have already sought forgiveness.