The Lord Jesus said, “Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother” (Matthew 18:15).

But what do we do instead? We argue back, “But he’s the one who did wrong. If he wants forgiveness, let him come and ask for it.” But Jesus said, “No, you go to him.”

Elsewhere, Jesus exhorted, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Matthew 5:23-24).

Whether you are in the right or in the wrong, you are to be the first to respond. Whether you “have aught against” your brother or whether you know that your brother has aught against you, you are to take the offensive. You are to go to that individual.

Isn’t that what God did in the Garden of Eden? Adam and Eve sinned against God, and Genesis 3:8-9 tells us that God came in the midst of the Garden and cried out, “Adam, where art thou?” That was not the voice of a detective. That was the voice of a broken-hearted God.

Have you had a disagreement with someone lately? It’s time to retreat, reflect, and receive what the Lord wants to tell you. Enter your prayer closet today.

LWF.org