Why The World Is In The Condition It Is

Why is the world in such turmoil right now? Why is there so much hate, fear, and unnecessary suffering? We have this huge planet with plenty of resources for everyone to live off of and yet we aren't. We are fighting amongst ourselves as a human race because we refuse to forgive each other and live in peace. The world is in the condition it is in because people refuse to be reconciled.

Imagine how many resources could have been focused in the last 20 years to provide for people in need if they had not been required to go toward physical war, economic war and border wars. This is what is causing human suffering - an unwillingness to forgive and be reconciled.

We don't need bigger government. We don't need socialism. We don't need bailouts. We don't need to have it all. WE NEED GRACE TO BE GIVEN AND RECEIVED.

Blackaby hit the nail on the head with today with the January 17th devotion. Click here to go to Blackaby's daily devotion.

"Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift." (Matthew 5:24)

It is useless to give offerings to God while you are at enmity with your brother. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has_something against them. The world seeks reconciliation on limited terms. Christians are to be reconciled, whatever_it takes.

You say, “But you don’t know how deeply he hurt me! It’s unreasonable to ask me to restore our relationship.” Or, “I tried but she would not be appeased.” Jesus did not include an exception clause for our reconciliation. If the person is an enemy, Jesus said to love him (Matt. 5:44). If he persecutes you, you are to pray for him (v. 44). If she publicly humiliates you, you are not to retaliate (v. 39). If someone takes advantage of you, you are to give even more than he asks (v. 41). The world preaches “Assert yourself.” Jesus taught, “Deny yourself.” The world warns that you will be constantly exploited. Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples be treated fairly but that they show unconditional love to others regardless of how they were treated. Men spat upon Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. His response was our model: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34).

If there were ever a command that is constantly disobeyed, it is this mandate to be reconciled. We comfort ourselves with the thought, “God knows that I tried to make things right, but my enemy refused.” God’s word does not say “Try to be reconciled,” but “Be reconciled.” Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? Then do what God tells you to do.