First Go, Then Give
A doorway of light, a step toward peace, and a heart ready to worship.
Devotional Credit: Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest, “The Go of Preparation,” by Oswald Chambers
Photo Credit: Unsplash
We all know the urge to rush into spiritual moments with energy and emotion. Oswald Chambers slows us down and points us to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23 and 24. Before you bring your offering, first go and be reconciled. In other words, preparation is not a flash of zeal. It is a steady way of living that keeps relationships clear and consciences tender.
Chambers reminds us that enthusiasm is not the measure of maturity. Jesus cares about the quiet work of clearing the heart before the public act of worship. That hidden readiness is not about drumming up sorrow or making a dramatic sacrifice. It is the simple, honest willingness to let the Lord search us, uncover what does not belong, and lead us into reconciliation.
Sometimes we look for a grand thing to give up, while the Spirit brings up something small, like an avoided conversation or a stubborn opinion we have been guarding. Underneath, there can be a fierce grip on the right to ourselves. Jesus calls us to release that grip. Not as a feat of willpower, but as a response to His life within us.
This also fits a corporate salvation lens. Jesus forms a people who display God’s reconciling heart together. Our private readiness is never only private. Reconciled brothers and sisters become a living sign that the kingdom is here. Thank you, Oswald, for helping us hear the Lord’s practical kindness in this call to prepare.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I dwell in you and I lead you into peace with others. As you come to worship, remember that I prize mercy and restored fellowship. If you recall a grievance, pause your offering and go. I am the One who searches your heart and guides you into truth. When guilt rises, do not excuse it and do not perform for Me. Confess it. I am faithful and just to cleanse.
I united you with Jesus in His death and resurrection. You are not defined by yesterday’s patterns. Present yourself to Me as one alive from the dead. Let Me shape your words with kindness, your posture with humility, and your steps with courage. I work in you to will and to do My good pleasure.
Do not wait for feelings to change before you obey. Walk in the light you have. If there is a call to reconcile, I supply the grace. If there is a knot of pride, I soften it. If there is fear of rejection, I perfect love in it. Abide in Me. My fruit is born as you remain in Me.
Forgiveness does not deny pain. It releases the debt to the Cross where justice and mercy met. As far as it depends on you, pursue peace. I will help you speak truth with gentleness, listen without defensiveness, and choose unity over stubborn self-rule. You are a new creation. Let that new life be seen today in how you seek your brother and your sister. I am making you eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Real-Life Analogy
Think of a tiny pebble in your shoe. You can keep walking and try to ignore it. The longer you go, the more your stride shifts and the more everything aches. The fix is simple. Stop, take off the shoe, and remove what does not belong. Then your steps are light again. In the same way, unreconciled tension quietly throws off your gait. The Spirit of Jesus within you does not ask you to tough it out. He invites you to let Him remove what is hindering fellowship so your walk can be free and steady.
A practical way to live this today. If someone comes to mind while you are about to pray, read, or serve, pause and reach out. You might send a brief message like, “I value our relationship and would love to make things right.” Then entrust the moment to the Lord. You can say, “Lord, I rely on You to speak through me with gentleness and honesty right now,” and step forward. Let Him supply the tone, the timing, and the tenderness.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am forgiven, cleansed, and made new. Thank You for placing Your Spirit within me and for giving me the ministry of reconciliation. I affirm that Your grace is enough for honest confession, humble steps, and reconciling words. I agree with You about any sin You reveal, and I rest in the cleansing You have already provided. I thank You that unity is Your gift to Your people and that You are working in me to will and to do what pleases You. I receive Your peace and I walk in it today.
Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Matthew 5:23–24, Psalm 139:23–24, 1 John 1:7–9, John 16:8, Romans 6:11–13, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 3:12–15, Ephesians 4:1–3 and 32, Matthew 6:14–15, 2 Corinthians 5:17–20, Philippians 2:1–5 and 13, Romans 12:18, James 5:16, Hebrews 12:14, Romans 8:1–4, Ezekiel 36:26–27, John 15:4–5, Romans 14:19