Matthew 5:4
September 20, 2023
FEAST OF SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST – 21st SEPTEMBER
September 21, 2023
THE 20TH OF SEPTEMBER
THE EFFORT TO PURSUE PEACE AND HOLINESS IS ALWAYS PAID OFF
Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; – Hebrews 12:14-15
It takes effort on our part to have peace in us and in our relationships. To pursue holiness is not easy either, because it implies to keep ourselves separate from the world and live to please God in order to make it to heaven. God does not force us to receive His unmerited favor. His grace is a gift and once we receive it, we are to give grace to those around us too. If we choose to live in strife and not forgive others, we cannot make it to heaven.
When we treat others harshly and have no understanding of their mistakes towards us, we take offense which unresolved quickly, will develop into bitterness. A bitter heart is the source of negative emotions and words. Whenever we are upset with someone it is hard not to sin by gossiping and making negative remarks. When we do that, we express our negative emotions in a negative way and affect those to whom we talk with. We need to be quick to forgive and to ask for forgiveness, if we want to be forgiven by our heavenly Father.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Thank You Lord for the peace I have in You. When arguments with other people may arise, please help me remember how much I value my peace, so that I will choose to do what is needed to keep it. Father, please help me keep my heart pure, be quick to forgive and ask for forgiveness, offer grace to others, as You have offered me. Help me to not get offended, so that bitterness will not find any place in my heart, causing me to hurt and hurt others too. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen
Source: thetruthstandsforever
