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S o, if you are offering yourself to God and remember that you and your brother are bitter with one another, stop for a moment and consider. Giving to God has no meaning if it does not reflect a heart that gives of itself. First go and try to be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer yourself.”Instantly I thought of an old matter left unsettled, raw and still seeping emotional blood. I thought of the man who had wronged me terribly. While I prided myself in not hating anyone, what I felt for this man certainly approached hatred. My attitude toward him had gone beyond bitterness. My thoughts of him were never kind, never giving, always hoping that God would punish him for the wrong he did to me. Such bitterness is a heavy burden to carry. I determined to sit down and write him a heartfelt, loving letter. Then at least a step would be taken toward reconciliation, toward healing. Then at least, I would be free of the pain of a bitter heart, an open grave in the corner of my soul. God grant that he will be free, too.“Settle matters quickly with anyone who takes you to court. Do it out of court, while you are still talking to one another. Far better to resolve the disagreement between you than to let a legal system solve it for you.”It is always better to get conflicts with others behind you as quickly as possible so you can go on with your life. Get them resolved. Even if it means financial loss. It is better to cut your losses and be free than to drag conflict and confrontation out. It becomes an oozing sore that will never heal. It becomes a constant dripping in the head that is never turned off.
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