October 2

Confess your faults one to another. James 5:16.

Since Christians are and remain sinners as long as they live, they will also sometimes wrong one another. Christians, too, have their faults, and even the smallest fault is a fault just the same, and it hurts us. This should not be, of course. Christians should not wrong anybody and should live in perfect harmony and peace among themselves. But who can deny the fact or change it? This imperfect state of affairs will remain as long as the devil, the world, and our own flesh exist.

What, then, is to be done when a Christian has wronged another? The children of this world will say, "I will not lower myself and apologize, I will not grovel in the dust for anybody. It wasn't so bad; he has worse faults than I." Is it right for Christians to act that way? No; the Bible says: "Confess your faults one to another." Confessing a fault is making half amends. Denying a fault doubles it. How can you expect to please God if you refuse to ask your neighbor for his pardon when you have offended and grieved him? He who is not willing to do this thereby clearly shows that in the sight of God also he is not truly penitent of his sin. Let such an impenitent sinner listen to the words of his Savior. Matthew 5:23. 24 He says: "If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way; first be

reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift." These words of the Savior are clear. He says, "Go and be reconciled to thy brother." Before you offer confession to God, go and confess your sins to your neighbor whom you have offended and grieved and ask his pardon. Without any further delay you must sincerely confess to him the wrong committed against him and apologize in Christian humility. It may seem very hard for you to do that. Our flesh and blood does not like it. And often the offended neighbor makes it still harder by his unwillingness to forgive. But do not mind that; look up to Christ, He wills it; His Spirit reminds you of your Christian duty — do not resist!

Prayer.

O merciful Jesus, moved by Thy grace, I go to confession and absolution for the remission of sins. But I recall Thine earnest words: "If thou bring thy gift to the altar and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother and then come and offer thy gift." Grant me Thy grace and so rule me that my heart may be inclined to reconciliation, abstaining from all wrath. Amen.

If thou this believest truly And confession makest duly, Thou a welcome guest art here, This heavenly food thy soul shall cheer.

But the fruits must not be missing, Love thy neighbor without ceasing; That true love let him receive Which here to thee thy God doth give.