Almost everyone has someone they need to make amends with, in some way: a friend, a work colleague or a family member. The longer it's left alone, the more it swells up into something worse than it should be.

Good news: Jesus has a simple, useful approach to setting us free from a grudge. Uncomfortable news first: to be close to God, we need to recognise the link between knowing him and forgiving others. Let's check out this challenging verse: 'Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift' (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV).

What does this mean? Worshipping, drawing near to God and being filled to go out and serve him - there's something that needs to happen before that: reconciliation. It's a humbling experience to make the first move, even if we haven't caused the problem. Check out what Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV: 'In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.' Today is the best time to make the move and set things straight. That's the way to freedom with others, ourselves and with God.

So what now? If you need to reconcile with someone, start today. Thank God that he's at work in the situation, softening hearts before you meet.

In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus lays out three steps for confronting someone who's out of line. First step: meet that person alone (if that's not a safe option, let's not put ourselves in harm's way). Second step: if they don't listen, meet them with friends. Third step: if they still don't listen, that's when we take it to leaders. But let's show them love and grace, regardless of any lack of remorse. That's how Jesus treated the 'pagans and tax collectors' who weren't sorry for stuff they'd done wrong.

When someone has really hurt us it's hard to even want to see them. Why then bother trying to forgive? Jesus himself said: 'I can guarantee again that if two of you agree on anything here on earth, my Father in Heaven will accept it. Where two or three have come together in my name, I am there among them' (Matthew 18:19-20 GWT). Coming together and reconciling, with humility and prayer, brings a blessing. (1) God promises to be with two people in agreement. When we call someone out, the ball's in their court. If they agree that they need to reconcile, God is with both people. (2) Peace isn't possible without God's presence. Doing what Jesus instructs us isn't easy, but it brings people closer to God. Done with God's Spirit, reconciliation is incredibly healing.

So what now? Needing to reconcile with someone? Using the three steps in Matthew 18:15-20, with a heart for reconciliation, ask God to help you and watch how he brings life again.

Sometimes, temptations come our way that leave us with a split-second choice to make: follow what we wish God wanted us to do, or stay close to what he actually wants us to do. Here's what we mean: in 1 Samuel, we hear how King Saul tried to kill David rather than allow God's promise that David would be the next on the throne to come to pass.

Then, in 1 Samuel 26:8 NIV, one of David's soldiers found Saul asleep, and reported to David that, 'God has delivered your enemy into your hands.' Great. The chance to take Saul out; all David needed to do was draw his sword. Except that David was intent on staying as close to God as he possibly could. He said, 'The Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord's anointed' (1 Samuel 26:11 NIV).

No matter what God wants for us, opportunities to cut corners will present themselves. What to do? Let's decide in our heart right now, before times of temptation come, to stay true to the values that God wants for us. Even if it means waiting. Ask God to make it clear to us when to pass up on something that looks good but isn't from him.

So what now? Chat to God about how he wants you respond when temptation comes in the future. Decide now to follow his lead. Find a friend you can contact easily when faced with tempting situations. Be honest with them and be thankful that they are there to keep you on track.

We've all unique responsibilities or tasks that put us in the limelight at some stage. But one common responsibility all believers have is to represent Jesus well. What are our top tips for handling that? Here are two that focus on our hearts, rather than 'how to lead people really well'.

First up, carry our own load. Chances are, if we aren't grateful for what God's given us right now, we won't be satisfied with stuff to come either. We'll always compare ourselves to others who get more attention, thanks, hugs or likes on Facebook. Looking at others' responsibilities and successes - without focusing on our own - causes envy. Want to avoid that? Take Paul's advice in his letter to the Galatians. He says: 'Each one should carry their own load' (Galatians 6:5 NIV). God's given us each a place to serve, so let's own it.

Then, second, share our burdens. If we're in a position where people look up to us, even if they're looking up at us as 'that Christian they know', pride in our own goodness can be tempting. This is normal; Satan even tried to tempt Jesus with pride (see Matthew 4:1-11). But Jesus knew that 'it's wiser to be humble' (Proverbs 11:2 CEV). Paul wrote that we need to 'help carry each other's burdens' (Galatians 6:2 GWT) - things like pride, lust and envy can start to creep in when we think we're okay on our own.

So what now? You are not untouchable. Share what burdens you with someone you trust. Be responsible with your responsibilities.

'Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres' (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV).

Read these verse again, slowly. Forget the heard-it-a-billion-times thoughts. Read with fresh eyes. This is how God wants us to show his love to one another. How does it apply to us, though? Love is patient, but we're not always patient; love is kind, but often we act or speak before thinking and end up acting unkindly; love doesn't envy or boast, but we do this far too often.

God knows that we fall short. But he's given us 1 Corinthians 13, the perfect picture of love, to show that he is love. He is all of those things in the passage. Only his power can bring our lives in line with this list. When we're impatient, he is patiently waiting for us to turn to him. When we're unkind, it's God's kindness and grace that softens our hearts.

So what now? Don't get caught up trying to be perfect - that just leads to frustration, comparison and general unhappiness. Read something that Jesus did from a Gospel today, then focus on thanking him for being who he is. Pray for his power to make you more like him.

Jesus loved unconditionally and devoted himself to others, and he wants us to do the same. Romans 12:10 NIV tells us: 'Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.' In theory, this sounds pretty easy - put others first and always show love. Practically, though, there's so much that can get in the way of us doing this.

God doesn't want us to only put those who are kind to us, or those we think deserve to be shown love, above ourselves; he's means everyone. This includes those who make it difficult for us to show kindness and forgiveness to them.

Paul doesn't leave us wondering how on earth we can love you-know-who; he gives us some practical and helpful advice in Romans 12:11-13 GWT: 'Don't be lazy in showing your devotion. Use your energy to serve the Lord. Be happy in your confidence, be patient in trouble, and pray continually. Share what you have with God's people who are in need. Be hospitable.' Through the potential-awkwardness of showing love and kindness to those who reject it, we're called to be patient and find joy in our hope in God. Checking in with God about the best way to extend devotion to makes being devoted so much easier.

So what now? Ask Jesus to point out someone to show hospitality to this week. Thank him that he'll lead you as you do. Whether it's a big family meal you can invite someone to, or a coffee you can buy to catch up with someone, bless someone.