weekly devotion – Prayer Barriers 2

‘FIRST, BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BROTHER, AND THEN COME…” MATTHEW 5:24

try again – this time for real

Barrier 3 – unresolved conflict. Listen to these Scriptures: ‘If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift…go and be reconciled…then come and offer your gift’ (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV). Listen again: ‘Husbands…be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect…so that nothing will hinder your prayers.’ (1Peter 3:7 NIV). Most of us underestimate how committed God is to building and maintaining loving relationships. There is no point praying if you are engaged in constant conflict. John writes: ‘Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.’ (1John 2:9 NIV). God will only listen when you come out into the light, deal with the thing that drove you and the other person apart, and attempt to mend the relationship.

Of course it is not always possible to make amends. Paul writes, ‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’ (Romans 12:18 NIV). But sometimes the other person would rather keep the issue alive than accept your apology. If this happens, look deep into your heart. Have you sincerely tried to mend fences, or are you still holding something back? Do you really want restoration, or would you rather play ‘the blame game’ and let things fester? If your attempts have been wholehearted and honest, God will not let a broken relationship stand in the way of your prayers. But if your attempts have been half-hearted and self-serving, try again – this time for real.

This article was provided courtesy of UCB, from The Word for Today publication. Free issues of this daily devotional are available in the UK and Republic of Ireland, or from the website link below.
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