“Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt 18:6).
In this verse the Lord Jesus warns us that we may face terrible consequences if we offend or hurt others.
Once a dear sister-in-Christ Mary, who served the Lord for a number of years, became sick and died. As the dear ones stood around and funeral arrangements were being made, Mary suddenly opened her eyes. Everyone was shocked.
Mary started crying and told everyone that her soul had soared up and come right up to the pearly gate of New Jerusalem, but that an angel of God had told her that she was not allowed to go in. When she asked why, the angel said that a sister who had taken care of her when she was sick had been hurt by her words. Mary wept before the angel, pleading with him to let her in, for after all, it had been only one mistake. The angel said that he had strict instructions from the Lord not to let her in. Mary then asked to see Jesus. She wept bitterly before him and said, “My backbone is completely crushed. What is the use of my going back to the earth and remaining in bed?” Jesus then said, “You go back to earth and ask forgiveness from the sister you grieved, and you will be completely healed.”
Mary is still alive today, testifying everywhere about the new life Jesus gave her.
Dear child of God, hurting or offending others is a very serious sin which can block the way to heaven. Right now, kneel down and examine yourself and see whether you have offended anyone. If so, please ask pardon and get reconciled to that person so that heaven’s gates may be open to you.
– Taken from Morning Manna – Thoughts for Daily Devotion
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