Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Audio Link: http://bit.ly/ThoughtsinWorship

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 33:1-11

We are focusing on sin recovery principle number nine of 12: “We made amends as much as possible with people, except when doing so would injure them or others.”

Facing our fears and past can be difficult to be sure. Facing people we have hurt in the past can be particularly difficult. As we have said many times over the past few weeks, we must do so only as the Lord leads.

Today’s Scripture gives an example of a situation that worked out very well, despite the incredible risk of danger. Jacob and Esau had parted on difficult terms. Fortunately, the Lord had already intervened on Jacob’s behalf, changed his heart, prepared Esau, and provided a blueprint for reconciliation.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are situations we may have caused through our unholy behavior, that attempting to make apology and amends directly could be catastrophic. Here is an example: Brother Z is a recovering child molester. He has experienced the power of God to recognize his need to stop his deviant behavior. He has sought professional help to address the root causes of the problem. He has consistently prayed, attended counseling sessions, and has not preyed on or harmed any more children. How does he now apologize to or make restitution to those families and children he has injured? Does he call and confess? Does he write a letter and deliver by certified mail? Does he contact a third-party and seek a face-to-face meet to tell his side of the story (whatever in the world that means)?

I think you can see and possibly feel the tension in my example. There are many cases like these where the offender who wants to confess and make amends must tread lightly due to the volatile nature of the situation. An unwise approach could cause immense harm to the offended parties. We at Message are not qualified to counsel you on just how to address something like this, but now you know that it is necessary to seek godly, professional, and possibly legal counsel in certain situations. Remember as you do so, that there will be pain. There will be consequences. Yet, God is able to guide you as you seek to do His will.—L. David Harris (http://bit.ly/BQuotable)

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