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Bible Reading Plan

Reading Plan: James 1:19-27

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

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Daily Devotional: I Don’t Owe Anyone Anything, or Do I?

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.

Matthew 5:23-26

Relationally speaking, we’re told to keep short accounts. The Bible is full of wisdom on this. Do your best to live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18). Don’t let the sun go down on your anger (Eph. 4:26). Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13). When I recall these truths, I tend to focus on how I’ve been wronged by someone else. And when I blow it, I’d much rather let myself off the hook by playing the “But they started it…” card than owning my part. At the end of the day, whether it’s true or not, I like to lay my head down believing, “I don’t owe anyone anything.” Maybe you do too.

In Matthew 5:23-26, Jesus is clear—there will be times when we remember that we owe someone something. The Holy Spirit is masterful at jogging our memory, nudging our hearts, and prompting us to move. And while our debt may or may not be tangible, it’s always relational. So, whether our aha moment shows up while we’re eating breakfast at home or preparing to take communion at church, we need to do more than pay attention. We need to initiate reconciliation with the person who rightfully has something against us. It’s on us to stop what we’re doing, seek them out, seek forgiveness, and make amends. And for serious followers of Jesus, there’s no way around this.

I used to wonder if Jesus’ instruction about dropping everything to apologize was real. But my wife, friends of mine, and I have all experienced it firsthand—at communion on a Sunday, during Good Friday services, in quiet moments at home, and while driving, working, or exercising. Rather than turn a blind eye to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, we’ve chosen to stop in our tracks and reach out to mend a relationship instead. Yes, it feels foreign. Yes, it’s humbling. But it has always been worth it, even when the person we owe isn’t ready to repair the relationship.

Our invitation today from the Sermon on the Mount is simple. Keep your mind open and your heart soft. Let Jesus’ timeless truths dig around deep inside. Then, when the Holy Spirit highlights that you’ve wronged someone, stop what you’re doing and take a courageous step to settle your relational debt with them.

Next Steps

Initiating reconciliation is rarely, if ever, easy. If you’re currently engaged in repairing a relationship with someone you’ve hurt, stay at it. If you’re unsure if someone has something against you, ask Jesus to point it out, own it, and step toward the person to seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Consider processing this confidentially with a friend first, or contact Pastoral Support as you move ahead.