The Gift Of Serving (Week 2)

The Gift (Week 2) Pastor Lila Clay MAIN IDEA: Jesus reconciles what is broken with the gift of his grace, not ours. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 INTRODUCTION Don't we often find ourselves broken in life? We want things perfect and beautiful, but we get frustrated when the reality doesn’t match our expectation. Often the holidays can bring out the worst in our relationships even as we try to make it so perfect. The Bible can help us. God's word can demonstrate practical steps that we can take to fix the broken relationships in our life. One such example can be found in the Nativity story. Joseph had just received the news that Mary was expecting and the child is not his. Imagine what Joseph was going through. Joseph was engaged to be married to Mary. He had certain expectations. Dreams, plans, Ideas. Can you imagine what he must have been going through when he realized she was pregnant? People are making accusations, his reputation is called into question. He decides to do what most of us would naturally do. He decides to break up with Mary, but just as he contemplates divorce an Angel of the Lord shows up. Read: Matthew 1:20 As upset as Joseph was he didn’t let his hurt keep him from hearing a word from the Lord. In order to hear from God and discern the truth, Joseph had to remain open. Read: Matthew 18:20b-21 Notice how the Angel identifies fear as the reason behind Joseph’s decision to leave Mary. In order for Joseph to do what he needs to do, he will have to be courageous. Read: Ephesians 6:12 Before Joseph could reconcile with Mary he first had to deal with the fear that was directing his decision-making. In the next verse Joseph is given direction. He is told to name the child Jesus. God doesn't always wait on us to calm down before he gives us something to do. Joseph would need to trust God in order to act. Read: Matthew 18:22-24 Joseph didn’t let his pride take over. He decided to let God have his way.  He didn’t try to justify himself to God or to Mary. He didn’t make Mary feel bad about herself. He didn’t dig try to argue with God. He just submitted to God's will. This was an act of surrender. Let me ask you a question, “What would life look like if you opened the gift of reconciliation?” In order to do that you would need to apply these four principles of Reconciliation. FOUR KEY PRINCIPLES FOR RECONCILIATION KEY PRINCIPLE ONE: OPENNESS You have to be open to God's leading and instructions. KEY PRINCIPLE TWO: COURAGE You have to deal with your feelings and summon the courage you will need to take risks. KEY PRINCIPLE THREE: TRUST You will need to trust God as you act according to His word. KEY PRINCIPLE FOUR: SURRENDER You will need to surrender your desire to be right, learn to compromise, swallow your pride and submit to God. CONCLUSION – Doing things Jesus’ way brings healing. Many of us do not need to win our fights, we do not need to be right, we just need healing in our relationships. God reconciles what is broken with the gift of His grace. He alone gives divine guidance. He is the one who overcomes our fears. He is the one who gives victory over the spiritual forces of darkness. He is the one who is worthy of our obedience and love. Ask Him to help you. Search the scriptures for guidance. Seek a minister, Christian counselor or mentor if you need extra help. Jesus can fix what is broken if you will let Him.