OFFENSE AND HEALING

01/03/2024

"Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16).

Nothing upends prayer like offense. In one instance, Jesus said, "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses" (Mark 11:25). 

Today's theme scripture says to confess your trespasses to one another. Now, it doesn't mean that you go about telling other believers about all your past misdeeds and mistakes, no. It means taking ownership of the hurt you may have caused to another believer by tendering a heartfelt apology and restoring fellowship with that individual. Why? Because sickness often latches on the body of a Christian who hurts another Christian. 

If a believer falls sick, it often occurs because of offense, and for healing to take place, the affected believer may call for the pastor to pray for him or her while ensuring that he or she made peace with the one he or she has offended. James 5:14-15 says, "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."

Making peace with the one you offend or the one offended by your actions is how to maintain the healing received when the minister prays. Too many times, certain individuals open themselves up to strange illnesses because they allow offense to fester. 

Let today's devotional be a warning and tool of correction about offense. Take a 360-degree view of your relationships today, and if you have to write an apology email or letter, make a phone call to apologize for a hurt you caused, or go over to that neighbor to say how sorry you are for something that transpired, this is the time.

If you have struggled with a health challenge for a while--mental or otherwise--let nothing hinder you from mending fences. After you have mended fences, call your life group leader or make an appointment to see your pastor and have him or her pray about the condition. The scriptures cannot be broken. Have a great day.

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession 

I am at peace in all my relationships in the name of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, favor and divine health are mine by divine right. The ecosystem that supported discomfort and ill health is obliterated, and I bask in the glory of God. Hallelujah!

Day 2 of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Pray for Leaders and all who are in Authority.

• Pray for our leaders, asking that God guides them to embrace righteous counsel and lead with a heart filled with the fear of God.

• Pray that they become instruments in the hands of the Lord, fulfilling His plans and purposes, and that God's mercy be extended to them, granting wisdom and instilling a reverence for God in their actions.

• Pray for peace in your nation and pray that the voices and influences of those opposing the Lord and His gospel diminish, allowing the Word of the Lord to be glorified.

One-Year Reading Plan: Genesis 6-8; Matthew 3