Be Reconciled

 ‘You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgement.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgement; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fool”, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26

The air is frosty here in Fairbanks and the leaves are falling rapidly. The winter is coming on fast. What summer allows, a carelessness to the wind and weather, is quickly changing.The endless days of sunlight have disappeared and the dark has crept into the morning. One needs to move from individual pursuits to concern for our neighbors. To a position of being reconciled to the indoors, to sharing heat, and to finding ways to thrive, or at least survive through the winter. Our survival demands a humility and a community focus.

Jesus is responding to our human hearts. We all want to be loved and accepted by others and by God. We often build barriers to love by the chasms of hate and anger that we create. Our thriving depends on our willingness to be reconciled, to ask forgiveness and be forgiven. Our survival and growth depends on our recognizing our frailties and mistakes and removing them as a barrier to love.

Today I ask God to help me rush to forgiving and forgiveness. May we not be focused on our gifts and our pride but rather on love. May love truly rule our hearts today.