I have always been amazed how some “Christians” can take advantage of others in word or deed, leaving a trail of wounded, discouraged individuals behind, and not even recognize the damage they’ve done.  Is it possible they don’t even know they’ve done it?  Is it possible they can’t know because of their pride and “goodness”?  Is it possible that you and I may be guilty of injuring others and not know it?  Are we refusing to make things right with those we’ve injured because we had every right to treat them that way or because they needed our rebuke or for whatever reason we are just too proud to admit if we’ve made a mistake?

Is it possible the wounds we’ve caused are keeping someone else from presenting their gift to God?

It is no minor issue here–in fact knowing Jesus is at stake–and not knowing Jesus means not spending eternity with Him no matter how well you’ve kept every other “commandment”.

No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it.  We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually.  Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 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 5:23-24).  He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.”  The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live.  We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. . . When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it.  If you do, you will become a religious impostor.  Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. . . —Oswald Chambers