Family Feud

"Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering" (Matthew 5:23-24).

Yesterday, as with most Sundays, I gathered with other believers in Jesus Christ to worship the Lord, learn more of who He is and to hopefully encourage others. Yesterday I also had the humbling experience of being clearly confronted with this teaching by my Lord and Savior.

This past Saturday I was spending time with Isaac and Ethan. We were doing all sorts of things from errands to playing. As with all children, Isaac and Ethan were having a difficult time obeying dad's words. I had already corrected and instructed them a few times. Then Isaac and Ethan did something else. You, if you are a parent, know how it is. In hindsight it wasn't a huge deal. But the culmination of the little things that raised your frustration level (coupled with whatever frustrating situations or circumstances from other areas of your life that continue to pile on top of you) lead you to snap harshly. Isaac caught the brunt of it and not Ethan. Truthfully, I don't even think Isaac knew what he did was wrong. He may have even though he was helping.

I snapped. My voice was inflected. My tone was unkind. My words more scathing than soothing. When I spoke, Isaac did listen. But he listened in fear. Not a reverent fear, but a scared fear. His facial expression spoke volumes. He looked scared, shocked and crushed all in the same look. As any upset parent may, I didn't even pay much attention because I was "upset."

Yesterday, however, I came to lay my offering of worship on the altar before the Lord. Instead of seeing the beauty of my worship of the Magnificent One placed clearly on the altar, in my mind's eye I saw Isaac's face--scared, shocked and crushed. And what didn't matter in that moment was whether Isaac was right or wrong in what he did. What mattered was how I responded to him. I often tell students (and adults) that I try to live in such a way that I do what is right regardless of what others do. Perfect? No way. Always do what is right? Give me a break.

In that moment as I stood with God reminding me of how I had responded to Isaac, I was crushed. I want my children to reverently and respectfully view me, but not fear me because they suspect severe wrath will be unleashed at a blink of the eye.

It is humbling to go to your not quite four year old to seek forgiveness. For me, it was also needful and uplifting. It was short, but sweet. I actually think Isaac thought he was in trouble. I sat him on the edge of the bed and knelt in front of him on the floor. I explained that the day before I had spoken unkind words to him and was wrong. And then I asked Isaac if he would forgive me.

We're sinful people who from time to time do sinful and hurtful things to one another. Sometimes it was intentional as we acted out in the sinful flesh. At other times it is unintentional but the harm and hurt is nonetheless real. Unfortunately, as the family of God, we can often fail to address these situations biblically and a family feud ensues. The Bible is clear on this issue.

The first step, whether you were offended or you where the offender, is to go to the other person alone to make things right. If this is successful in restoring peace and harmony, the successive steps are never needed. In the world in which we live today where people appear to look more for opportunities to get offended than to be obliged, some individuals simply thrive on getting and being upset. As the family of the Living God, brothers and sisters united under the common bond and blood of Jesus Christ, may we cease to do battle with one another as those who are outside of faith in Jesus Christ, and begin to follow the pattern in Scripture to address situations quickly, biblically, lovingly and with peace, harmony and reconciliation as the goal.

If there is something between you and someone else, there is one simple word to follow: GO!

Micah continues to make his address Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC. However, we are hoping that he will be discharged this afternoon. All glory and praise to God! Barring any complications or concerns, this is the current plan as of this writing. There is some concern with his liver numbers as they have elevated in a sharp manner over a short period of time. The doctors are uncertain as to the reason for this recent change as his liver function and levels have been pristine for so long (even through all the recent problems).

Micah's eating has picked up. We are so grateful to see his appetite so he can hopefully regain the weight he lost through his 10 days of little to no nutrition. The blood clot remains with no plans to address it unless it should begin to impose other problems.

We continue to ask for your prayers for Micah and our family. Thank you to the scores of you who have done so over the last year and the last week with great fervency. God is working and has answered in so many ways, so many times. May He be lifted high in all His glory!