Main Scriptures: Matt.5:23-24
More Scriptures: Rom.12:18, Heb.12:11, Jas.3:17
Forgiveness is a potent force in the realm of the spirit. It is one weapon of the Spirit of God that can create peace between people who may have hurt one another. It is the ultimate proof of the good and godly husbandman. Offence will come but you must overcome it by the forgiveness (Rom.12:21). And that is why I want us to consider the subject of forgiveness today and how it can impact positively your sheep and sheepfold.
Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother and them come an offer thy gift (Matt.5:23-24). As the head of your family and the shepherd over your wife and children, it is the will of God for you to make peace with your sheep. God doesn’t just want you to live in peace with your sheep, He wants you to make peace with them as often as possible. It is true that there are times when your wife and children may offend you. It could be that you are not the person at fault. But Jesus, the perfect portrait of the good and godly husband, gives you and I an example to follow. He says, “it doesn’t matter who is right or wrong, make peace”. To make peace or be reconciled with your wife and children is a conscious thing. It means being the first person to extend hands of reconciliation. You do not wait for them; you walk towards them with a heart filled with the love of Christ. You may be the first person to greet them. You may also be the first person to say, “I am sorry”. You may be the first person to call for a peace meeting.
All these attempts by you to make peace do not make you a weak husband or leader. It only makes you an ambassador of Christ. But you may ask, “what if my peace moves are rejected by my flock”? Then you pray ahead after the order of Paul. “I travailed in prayers that Christ be formed in you” (Gal.4:19). Remember that the heart of the king is in the hands of the Lord and He turns it in the direction that pleases Him. Because it is the will of God for you to be reconciled with your wife and children, He will answer your prayer for the hearts of your flock to receive your peace moves. One important benefit you enjoy when you make peace is that your prayers are not hindered (1Pet.3:7). Secondly, it brings you honour from your wife and children and outsiders. Thirdly, it showcases you as example of Christ. In Matt.5:16, the Scripture says that your light (character, attitude, conduct) so (evidently) shine before men that they may see your good works (fruits) and glorify your Father which is in heaven. As the head of your family, there is no greater glory than modeling your life after Christ.
SPIRITUAL EXERCISE
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower my life to reflect Your nature in words and in deed for all to see.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower my life to bring You glory and honour.
- Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me to model my life after You, Your will and Your way.
FAITH CONFESSION
I am a peacemaker and will pursue peace with my wife and children and all men and in all things because that is my heritage as the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.
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