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And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the land of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish his father. And they did all that the king commanded. And after that God responded to the plea for the land.

2 Samuel 21:14 ESV

Often, I am reminded of the importance of our actions and following through. Both from a non-Christian and Christian mindset, consistency with our relationships can go a long way. For better context of this passage we must start in verse 10! This act of moving the bones of Saul and Jonathan is an act of compassion from David. Rizpah started to mourn beside the bodies of her dead sons and David wanted to make amends for the sufferings caused.

leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 5:24 ESV

Have you ever thought to sit down and take the time to think about what amends you may need to make? Often, as believers we do not do a very good job of doing what is right towards others. We repent, and start trying to clean our lives up without ever actually making amends to those that we have hurt. It reminds me of what Jesus taught when it came to making amends with a fellow believer.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:7 ESV

Have you ever thought about this concept? That maybe there are some things God needs you to make right before He responds to your plea. Peter talks about prayers being hindered if husbands do not live with their wives honorably. This is something that we cannot simply ignore and keep living as if our relationship with others is not important.

I challenge us all to not live in a place of solely being focused on being right with God, while not doing our part to be right with others.

Far too often we overlook the importance of the relationship with those around us. It is heart breaking to sit down and talk with people that have directly been hurt by the “church.” A place that is supposed to be a beacon of hope for the hurting does not always do well at loving and making amends. I challenge us all to not live in a place of solely being focused on being right with God, while not doing our part to be right with others. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9 ESV

When we tell the story of our own conversion, I would have it done with great sorrow, remembering what we used to be, and with great joy and gratitude, remembering how little we deserve these things.

Charles Spurgeon

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