FORGIVENESS OF OFFENSES: I Got Beef

November 8th, 2023

The theme for this week’s Devotional is Forgiveness of Offenses. We have all been down this street and our Team has penned some wonderful and timely encouragement for your hearts.

SCRIPTURE: “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
Dealing with a Sinning Brother
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17

I can not believe you did this to me,
Save your explanation, your excuses, and apologies;

You were my friend, my family, and I trusted you,
You embarrassed me and made me look like a fool;

You will never get a chance to cross me ever again,
You are an enemy and no longer considered a friend;

My plan is to move forward and seek what the Lord has for me,
I got beef, but you will not steal or jeopardize my integrity;

Removing you from my life will simply make things easier,
Not dealing with you at all will maintain my good character;

However, the Holy Spirit prompted me to consider complex ordeals,
I got beef means I will stand with my truth and disregard how He feels;

Whether I am beefing with family, a friend, spouse, enemy, or neighbor,
I am choosing to cut ties with the Lord’s forgiveness, grace, mercy, and favor;

It's my responsibility as a Christian to seek peace, forgive, and resolve,
Alignment with the Lord trumps my feelings and what my offender did wrong;

Disagreements and beefs will happen, but shouldn’t be permanent,
The Believer of Christ should desire to win the person, not the argument;

In fact, whatever that beef is, the Lord wants us to address the issue immediately,
Initially alone, next with a witness, managing it privately to eventually publicly;

The Lord is about building relationships,
How much we love others will reflect His ownership;

So, rather than responding according to the damaging beef accounts,
Consider how the Lord responded to you and all the offenses He found;

This model is what He desires from us to show the world His goodness,
At our very worst, He loved us by giving His only begotten Son, and forgiving us;

Furthermore, aligning myself with the Lord brings me joy and peace,
Bringing Him glory means more to me than continuing a senseless beef.

Prayer: Lord, You are the perfect model of how to extend this supernatural gesture of forgiveness. The love You demonstrate to me is unmatched. I can’t do this alone. Continue to allow me to see quarrels and disputes Your way. You are the author of peace. You have shown me the value of your people. Teach me this love. As I reap the benefits of Your goodness, I will be careful to give You all the glory.
By Glenny Z. Moore