" '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 your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift'" (Matt. 5:23, 24, NKJV). What basic principle is Jesus teaching us with these words? Why do we find it so hard to implement this principle in our lives?

   There is a powerful lesson in this passage, it is the lesson
   of religion and relationship. Often times we a are more willing
   to do something spectacular for God when we have left the most
   essential thing undone. The passage says before you make a
   sacrifice to God first make restoration with your brother or
   sister.
  
   We often try to over emphasize our gifts to God as a means of
   displaying our commitment and devotion to Him but when our
   conflicts in our relationships remain unresolved we reveal
   the true nature of our devotion. The reconciliation to your
   brother is just as much an act of worship as bringing
   your gifts to the altar.
  
   God wants to look for a community of believers who demonstrate
   love to each other. This loved is the a distinct characteristic
   of of His disciples. By the grace of God make He help us to
   be more loving.
  
Identify a characteristic of the children of God as recorded in Matthew 5:9. What does it mean?
  
   From this passage we understand that a characteristic of the
   sons of God is that they are peacemakers. We must understand
   that when we are sons of God that means that God is our Father
  
   This means that we have been born of God, we have the DNA of
   God flowing through our bodies. The DNA of God is and individual
   who displays the characteristics of God here on this earth.
  
   A peacemaker is someone who mediates between two conflicting
   parties. As the sons of God we seek to help people be at peace
   with God through the reconciliation available through Jesus
   Christ. As peacemakers we help people be at peace with each other
   through the love of God which is poured on us by God the Father.
  
According to Colossians 3:13–15, what are three ways we are to relate with each other as fellow members of the church? What does each one mean?
  
   We are to bear with on another and to forgive them just a Christ
   forgave us.
  
   The forgiveness that we show to each other is based on the extent
   of that we have been forgive in Christ. No Christian who is truly
   understanding of the mercy of God in Jesus Christ can act toward
   anyone in and harsh unforgiving manor. There are some difficult
   things that happen to us that make forgiveness hard, but I pray
   God will help us all in these circumstances.
  
   We are also to put on love which is the perfect bond of unity.
  
   Love is an essential component to the success of all human
   relationships. Love has the ability to overlook things and to
   cover up things which could bring about disunity and discord.
   We must seek to be filled with the love of God that this
   love may overflow into all our relationships.
  
   We are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and be
   thankful
  
   We must seek to have an intimate relationships with Jesus Christ
   He must be real to us and we must trust Him and be surrendered to Him.
   We must rest in Him, and cast all our cares upon Him.
  
Think about the last time you had a problem with a fellow church member. Did you follow Christ's words in Matthew 5? Most likely, you did not (right?). Analyze your reasons why you chose the "easy," worldly route as opposed to the path that would have required humility and self denial. How can you learn to do what Jesus calls us to in such situations?
  
   In these situations, it is necessary to ask for help. It is
   not easy sometimes , but by being honest with God about how
   we feel He will help us to deal with these emotions. And
   its a process, by receiving daily of the grace of God for
   each challenge we can overcome.
  
Prayer: Father I pray that you will help us in our relationships with each other. Sometimes we don't feel like being Christ like, but we pray this with honesty asking for your mercy and grace. Please fill us with your love, to the point where we are overflowing. Let us be your lights in the midst of the worlds darkness. Thank you Father in Jesus name Amen.