2 Samuel, Week 18 - Day 3: Taking the First Step

2 Samuel, Week 18Day 3: Taking the First StepDevotionalThe worst part of David and Absalom’s story is not the killing. It is the five years of silence that came after. Both men sat there waiting for the other one to move first. Pride kept them apart while the relationship rotted. How many of your relationships are stuck in that exact deadlock? You are waiting for an apology that is not coming. You are waiting for the other person to break first. Reconciliation does not happen by waiting. It never has. It happens when someone chooses humility over pride and love over being right. God did not wait for you to come around. While you were still His enemy, Christ died for you. He took the first step when you deserved nothing but judgment. If the God of the universe humbled Himself to come after you, you can take the first step toward the person who hurt you. That does not mean you are admitting fault or excusing what they did. It means you are acting like Jesus. Move first. Love first. Forgive first.Bible Verse“First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” — Matthew 5:24 (ESV)Reflection QuestionIs there someone in your life you’ve been waiting to make the first move toward reconciliation, and what would it look like for you to take that step?Quote“Reconciliation does not happen by waiting, never does. Reconciliation happens when someone takes the first step, when somebody chooses humility.”PrayerLord, give me the backbone to take the first step, even when it is hard and even when I am the one who was wronged. You moved first for me when I was Your enemy. Help me follow You and move first now.