They Will Know
In Jesus’ day, people brought gifts to the priests as a way of showing God their gratitude and love. Today, our gift to God is our entire life. Romans 12:1 tells us to offer our bodies a living sacrifice to God. And Jesus has set before us the standard of love for others.
Remember that song, "They will Know we are Christians by our Love?”
I once had a falling out with someone. I really was fine with the whole thing. But the other person was not. Whenever I tried to pray and become intimate with God, I would feel a prick in my heart—a conviction that I needed to make amends with this person. Even though I didn't feel offended or think I had done anything wrong, I needed to extend the olive branch her way. I needed to apologize for the way it came across to her in a way that made it right for her.
Jesus instructs us: before you come and tell God how much you love Him, make up with those who are angry with you. Notice Jesus doesn’t say, “if you are angry with someone.” He says, “if someone has something against you.”
If you know that someone is mad at you for something you did—even if it was years and years ago—and you have not gone to apologize, then you really haven't walked in love toward that person. Even if the reason they are mad seems ridiculous to you, even if the thing they have against you doesn’t seem right to you, you should ask for forgiveness for hurting them. But especially when you know that the thing you did was wrong—as hard as it is—you must apologize. Repent for the hurt you caused, even if it was unintentional.
Do it for God, to show Him how much you love Him.
Jesus says that we show our love for God by obeying Him. And obedience to Him means loving others. So that means that we show our love for God by loving others!
Reach out by sending a letter or gift, or better yet call the person or go for a visit. If it’s a family member living in your house who has something against you, ask his or her forgiveness today. Make your peace. You will be not only loving the person but loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind.
Read on for more homeschool encouragement.
