“So if you are offering your gift at 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 (ESV)
Over this past season, we all have walked where we never thought we would walk. Our world is a different place than it was even just a couple years ago. And the church has been impacted by it. The church has been pressed by mandates, masks, cancel culture and a narrative that fuels fear. Our culture, including the church at large feels agitated, and is quickly offended. The Lord revealed to Daniel that one of the devil’s strategies is to wear out the saints (Daniel 7:25 – ESV). Other versions say he oppresses the saints (NIV), or wears them down (NASB). This is exactly what is happening in our day. So many people that I know, even leaders and pastors, feel worn down, tired, and weary of the journey. When we feel worn down, we lose our edge, our passion, and are easily hurt. It’s time to shake off the shackles of weariness. It’s time to ask forgiveness and forgive those whom we have hurt and have hurt us. It’s time to re-engage in the battle for the soul of our nation!!!
So, to all of you that I have hurt or offended, in anyway over the past couple years… I am truly sorry! Please forgive me!!! Also know this, I forgive you too! We are a family, and we need each other!
Please pray that every hurt and offense from these past couple years, would be washed away! Ask God to release a grace for reconciliation, for true kingdom unity, and for His body to click together like we have never been before! Ask God for the grace to do whatever it takes to re-establish and maintain the unity of the saints through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Ask God we break off of His church the shackles of weariness, and empower us to fight the good fight in this day!
