My prayer for you and me this week...the second week of Advent...is to receive peace through the ministry of reconciliation given to us by Christ and, in turn, as far as it depends on us, to live at peace with everyone.
(2 Corinthians 5:18 & Romans 12:18)
This sounds like a nice sentiment for the Christmas season doesn't it? Truly though, complete peace has eluded me this week as I learned my actions deeply offended a friend's brother. Have you ever longed for reconciliation and a restoration of peace?
My intent was to show the love of Jesus and open the door to a lasting and fruitful friendship. However, in my zeal, I theoretically blasted through the "relationship door" busting my friend's brother in the nose causing surprise and great pain. Much like cooking a meal in an attempt to provide care only to later learn the recipient suffered food poisoning! My friend's brother is rightfully offended, and I am the offender. How could I be so careless, and yet have such pure intent toward this man? I made an assumption when I should have diligently verified the resource. I walked right into the devil's scheme to confirm this man's view of Christians; those people who declare, "Jesus loves you!" only to scream, "and by the way, you're going to hell!"
As I have prayed so many times in the past, Lord Jesus, I have made a complete mess of this attempt to show Your love, and I need You to make up for my failure. Please do the miraculous as I (and maybe others reading along) pursue peace and reconciliation.
Lord, Jesus, thank You for making a victory out of the devil's desire to defeat and destroy. Thank You for the victory which comes from submitting myself under Your authority, confessing my sin, and thank You for restoring my peace. We pray all glory and honor and praise will be Yours, Jesus, in Your Holy name. Amen!
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