“Therefore, if you are
offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has
something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go
and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:
23-24 NIV).
Jesus wants you to be reconciled with whoever
you have something against. That is a tough one isn’t it? But Jesus spoke these
words and He was pretty adamant about it. He said that you are to leave your offering
and go and reconcile right then. This verse follows His speech in regards to
the fact that you should not be angry with your brother or you will be subject
to judgment. He went on to say that if you call someone a fool you will be in
danger of the fire of hell. Being angry and having arguments are not pleasing
to God. Jesus’ whole message is about loving one another as you love yourself
(Matthew 19:19 NIV). If you love someone you try very hard to get along and
talk about problems in a calm manner. Anger only escalates a bad situation and
causes hurt feelings. It is so important for you to pray for help with this, if
you have an issue with anger. God can help you control this.
So if you are in need of reconciliation. I
would urge you to do this as soon as possible. God wants you to be at peace,
and you cannot be at peace if you are having a disagreement with someone. Pray
and ask God to give you the right words when you speak and ask Him for guidance
on how to go about it. You could even go to your pastor for some ideas on how
to reconcile with someone you have had a disagreement with, especially if the
person is a family member, spouse or a friend. Please know that you cannot have
a right relationship with God either if you are holding a grudge against
someone else.
Dear Lord,
Please help me to do what
you would want me to do in regards to my relationships. I know you want me to
love them as I do myself, but sometimes it is hard. Help me to view others
through your eyes and love them as you do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
