NIGERIAN BAPTIST CONVENTION SEEK DAILY (NBC) Thursday, September 14 ACCEPTABLE GIFT

RBT: Hosea 1-4

Memory Verse: Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar… and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5: 23-24, NIV

Bible Text: Matthew 5:23-26

5:23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 

5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. 

5:25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 

5:26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. 

Many people are labouring in God's vineyard but God has no record of their deeds. God is a God of order, who is interested in due process. Many people play religion in the church, but live contrary to the standard of God. Jesus explains why offering and sacrifices to God will not be credited to the givers, as well as what can make gifts acceptable to God. 

When offering any gift, it is necessary to self-examine our relationships with other people. If we are not at peace with anyone at the point of giving such gift at the altar, we should first reconcile with the person. Rather than continue in a state of anger, Jesus tells His followers to reconcile with one another before continuing the worship. Reconciliation is to create a sense of harmony between two parties, to restore normal relations. 

Jesus offers a simple process for seeking reconciliation between parties. First, reconciliation requires recognition of an offense. Then, it should be the first priority. Also, reconciliation can happen when the offender reaches out to the one offended, and lastly, it must come quickly. 

Has anyone offended you or have you offended anyone? Since a refusal to forgive others can render our sacrifice of giving to God or man null and void, we should do the needful.

Insight: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can drive out darkness.

Prayer: Oh LORD God, may I not offer any sacrifice in vain in Jesus' name.