Be Reconciled

“So, if you are offering your gift on the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Reach settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on your way with him to court, or your adversary will hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison.”

Matthew 5:23-25

On the surface of it, this commands may seem relatively straightforward and simple but is it really? Let’s start with verse 23, “So, if you are offering your gift on the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled . . .” Jesus starts by saying “if you remember”. How would that come about? It’s possible that the Holy Spirit might choose the moment you are giving your gift to remind you that someone has something against you. That happens, of course, and when it does, this verse reminds us not to ignore it or delay in seeking reconciliation. But the Holy Spirit can also remind us of those things anytime. Why, then, does Jesus specifically mention remembering a relationship breach as you are bringing a sacrifice or gift to the Lord? We get a hint later in the Chapter 12 of Matthew when Jesus rebukes the Pharisees. He tells them to learn what this scripture means,

“I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

Hosea 6:6

Someone whose brother or sister has something against them is guilty of having done wrong against someone else without doing what they should to make things right. Jesus is teaching that we shouldn’t wait for our conscience to be pricked by the Holy Spirit. He seems to be telling us that we should examine our conscience before making a sacrifice or giving a gift. Notice that Jesus specifically says “if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you.” He doesn’t say “if you agree that you did something wrong”. Hmmm . . . so if they have a grievance, we are to be reconciled with them even if we don’t think we did anything wrong? Well, yes. We are to do what we can to be reconciled with others.

“Be in agreement with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation.”

Romans 12:16

“If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:18

This might mean setting aside my pride in order to make peace. It might mean forgiving someone who isn’t sorry. But Jesus is clear that we are to make peace, to reconcile with each other before we make our offering to the Lord.

This is also not an excuse not to make the offering. Jesus assumes that we will give our gift. He’s just telling us what we need to do first.

Prayer for today

Thank you, Lord, for helping me to learn to obey You! Father, teach me to be humble. Show me when I am in the wrong. Help me to make peace with others to the best of my ability.

Amen.