Leave the Gift, Find the Brother

When the Holy Spirit surfaces a name, take the next turn back, then continue in unhindered worship.

Devotional Credit
My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers

Photo Credit
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Oswald Chambers draws our attention to Jesus’ clear instruction in Matthew 5:23-24. If I arrive at the altar and remember that someone has something against me, I am to step away, seek reconciliation, then return. He is not asking for morbid introspection. He is describing the Spirit’s gentle reminder that surfaces in the moment. When the Spirit brings it to mind, love moves first.

What strikes me in Chambers’ meditation is the order. We often try to worship God while leaving a fractured relationship untouched. Jesus, who reconciled us to the Father, invites us to value reconciliation as part of worship. It is not a detour from spiritual life. It is the road Jesus walks.

Chambers also points to the posture. Jesus does not mention our rights. He simply says, you go. For those of us who are in Christ, this is not self-erasure. It is the outflow of a new heart that shares Jesus’ peacemaking life. The Spirit reshapes our attitude so that reconciliation becomes as natural as turning toward the light.

Thank you, Oswald Chambers, for reminding us that life with Jesus is wonderfully practical. We are not managing ourselves with religious effort. We are learning to trust the indwelling Spirit who leads us to people we have avoided, and then loves them through us.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I dwell in you and I am peace between you and the Father. I call you my beloved, and I guide you into the way that makes peace with others. When I bring a name to your mind, I am not accusing you. I am inviting you to walk in the life of Jesus that is already yours. You are crucified with Him and you live by His life. You are alive to God, set apart for kindness, patience, and truth.

I have given you the ministry of reconciliation. You are my ambassador, and I make my appeal through you. Put away harshness and clamor. Put on compassion and forgiveness, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Let the peace of Jesus rule in your heart, and let His word dwell richly as you move toward the one who is distant.

Pursue peace because I am your holiness and your help in every step. My wisdom in you is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. If you have wronged another, go. If you are unsure, go humbly and listen. Speak with a soft answer. Consider others more significant than yourself. Love as you have been loved. By this the world will recognize that you belong to Jesus.

I am your peace. I have broken down the wall. I will guide your words, steady your tone, and guard your heart. Take the first step. I am with you.

Real-Life Analogy
Think of using a maps app while driving. You intend to take one road, but you miss the turn. The app immediately offers a route back. You do not argue with the phone. You simply follow the reroute, then continue the journey. Reconciliation works like that. When the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind, He is not shaming you. He is offering a clear turn back so that worship can continue without the detour lingering.

Try this today. If a name surfaces, pause your task for a moment and send a simple text that opens a door. You might write, I realize I may have hurt you, and I care about our relationship. Could we talk when you are ready. Then, as you press send, say, Lord, I trust You to lead this conversation, shaping my words with Your gentleness and truth right now. If a call is better than a text, take that step with the same quiet trust. This is not a checklist. It is Jesus expressing His life through you.

Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that in Jesus I am already reconciled to You. Thank You that Your Spirit lives in me and is my peace, my patience, and my gentle answer. I celebrate that You have given me a new heart that can move toward others in love. I receive Your wisdom for timing and tone. I rest in the favor that is mine in Jesus, and I walk into reconciliation as part of my worship. Thank You that You will bear the fruit, and that I may simply trust You and step where You lead. Amen.

Scripture References for the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture Section
Matthew 5:23-24; Romans 6:11-13; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Ephesians 2:14-16; Ephesians 4:31-32; Colossians 3:12-15; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14; James 3:17-18; Matthew 18:15; Philippians 2:3-5; John 13:34-35; Proverbs 15:1