Friday, August 11, 2017

Thursday, August 10

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 2017


"If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord's people? Or do you not know that the Lord's people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" (1 Corinthians 6:1,2)


Paul discusses lawsuits among believers in today's passage. He urges believers to reconcile matters before heading to court, where those outside the Church might cast judgment on other brothers in the Church. He explains that, given our standing as ones to co-judge with Christ, we should not allow others to sit in judgment over our brothers and sisters.

Seeking reconciliation with others requires a humbling of our pride and a willingness to take an extra step toward bringing resolution. Taking inventory of another's faults may impede that reconciliation; we may become blind to the truth of his or her standing in Christ and God's deposit in his or her life. Forgiving others horizontally becomes possible out of the forgiveness we have received vertically through the Cross.

As Paul concludes his remarks, we may remember that we were once broken people, following the world's patterns. We have now passed from death to life: "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."

The passage brings to mind the question of: "How do I look at my brothers and sisters in Christ? Do I see their brokenness or their growing wholeness?" It challenges me to keep short accounts and to seek reconciliation promptly. By God's grace, these goals are achievable and honoring to Him.


Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing our sins on the Cross that we may bring reconciliation to this world. We are all hurting and broken, but You have brought healing into our lives. Send Your Holy Spirit to us so that He might fill us and strengthen us to live our calling of reconciliation. Give us grace to keep short accounts with ourselves and others. In Your Name, amen.



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