As a believer I am called to love my neighbor as myself.  All who follow Christ are called to do this and to love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Both very tall orders!!

In Matthew 5:21-27, Jesus goes into a little depth about what this can mean.  He extends ‘do not murder’ to also mean do not be angry with another.  It is odd, but when someone else is upset over something little I can see this as trivial.  Yet when it affects me I can quickly make a mountain out of a molehill.  Ever been there?

In the same manner, Jesus calls us to always seek reconciliation with each other.  I don’t know which side of the fence is harder to be on.  To go to one I have hurt or offended means I must admit wrongdoing and seek mercy and forgiveness.  (This sometimes first includes the step of self-forgiveness too!). This requires that I am humble.  If I am on the other side, sometimes it is difficult to extend mercy and forgiveness.  Sometimes I like to hang onto the hurt or the grudge. I know it doesn’t make sense, but ever been there?

But here is the bottom line: if I don’t want God to be angry with me and if I want forgiveness when I sin, then I better not withhold these things from others either.  If I do, then I don’t love God as much as I think I do or as much as I say I do.  Yet in my weakness I know He is strong.  In my trials and temptations I know He is there with me.  If I’ll only call out, He will be there.  Have you ever been here?  I hope so!