What Does It Say?  v21-22  Relationships are important to God.  If you call your brother an idiot, you will be judged.  God will not accept your worship if you know of an offense you have not made right.  Go and make it right first, then God will accept your worship.

What Does it Mean?   We are not responsible for the offenses others do to us, we are responsible for how we respond.  God cares when we are treated unfairly and he gives us the power to forgive.  Forgiveness does not mean we allow ourselves to be mistreated again, it just means we stop trying to make them pay.  Romans 12:19 says that God will pay them back for the evil they have done.  When we forgive, it takes them off our hook and puts them on God's. When you are hurt, choose to forgive instead of thinking of the person as an idiot.  Ask God what he wants you to do about it and then do it.  If you need to confront someone today, ask God to give you the right words and the right heart attitude.  God does not promise that the confrontation will go well, but if you choose to forgive regardless of what happens, you will not be guilty.  If abuse is the nature of the offense, request guidance from God and seek counsel from a mature Christian friend.

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