18/08/2024
THE RIGHT WAY TO RECONCILE WITH YOUR FELLOW BELIEVERS AND GOD.
I will begin by telling you, how come about this topic. I was ministering some where, then, someone asked me a question, I will like to rephrase the question this way, "Why do some Christians do this, when they offend somebody instead of them to repent and apologize to the person, they will go to God and ask for forgiveness without haven't reconciled with the person they have offended. Is this the right thing to do?"
Beloved, when you offend someone, you are supposed to go to that person and apologize to him/her. When he/she forgives you, then God will forgive you as well.
It doesn't make sense to pray this way, Lord in any area I have sinned against you forgive me. When you are aware that you have offended someone, then, you are asking God for forgiveness, without asking the person for forgiveness first. This is absolutely nonsense, the Bible does not teach us to do such a thing. Don't allow anyone to lead you astray or misguide you.
The Bible says, “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:23-24)
The Bible makes it clear how this should be done. When you have an issue with someone and you are about to give your gifts to God, leave your gifts there before the altar, go and reconcile with the person. Jesus did not say that, you could ask God for forgiveness and give your gifts.
Therefore, when you offend God repent and ask for forgiveness. If you have not repented from that act of wickedness, then, there's no need to ask God for forgiveness.
When you offend someone repent and ask him/her for forgiveness.
Of course, whatever you are doing to your neighbour, you are doing it to God, especially if he/she is a child of God.
I trust you got value.
Like, shear, & comment.Thanks.
Pastor Ephraim Ogumu