Sunday morning at church, you’re ready to worship – and then you remember. Your mate who upset you. Or the row you had with your brother. Just as you’re about to launch into a rousing chorus of How Great Thou Art, the rug shoots out from under your feet. It makes sense that we’d have these moments. If we’re coming to worship a good and kind God, with something unloving stuck in the back of our mind, He’s probably going to shake that something loose. But what does God have to say about those awkward moments? In Matthew 5, Jesus says that if you’re about to worship God and you remember a broken relationship, go and put it right. Find that person. Sort that relationship out. Jesus’ bigger point is that we should live such straightforward lives that we never have to do that. But when we do, and God interrupts us, it’s so important to get it sorted ASAP. Sometimes though, it’s difficult. For example, what if it’s an unresolved wound, from years ago? Or what if you’re upset at something you’ve seen someone say on social media? Look at the example of David. A year after David killed his lover’s husband, he wasn’t exactly around to hear David’s confession. So, David turned to a trusted friend, Nathan, and poured out his heart saying, ‘I have sinned.’ Nathan listened patiently and told him, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin’ (2 Samuel 12:13 NIV). If you’re stuck with no way to reconcile an old broken relationship, follow David’s example. Find an affirming friend and have a serious chat.
What now?
Spend some time thinking about any situations you need to resolve. Ask God to give you an opportunity to put things right.