BE RECONCILED!
Leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way.
First be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:24
It is useless to give offerings to God while you are at odds with someone. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has something against them. While the world seeks reconciliation on limited terms, Christians, on the other hand, are to be reconciled, whatever it takes.
Men spat upon Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. His response was our model: “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
On one hand, you may say, “You don’t know how deeply he hurt me! It’s unreasonable to ask me to fix that relationship.” On the other hand, you might say, “I tried, but nothing I did seemed to satisfy her.” However, it is imperative to remember that Jesus did not include an exception clause for our reconciliation.
Jesus Gives the Instructions
- If the person is an enemy, Jesus said to love him.
- When someone persecutes you, you are to pray for him.
- If she publicly humiliates you, you are not to retaliate.
- Someone may take advantage of you, yet you are to give even more than he asks.
- The world tells us to ‘assert ourselves’. However, Jesus taught us to ‘deny ourselves’.
- Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples be treated fairly; instead He wanted them to show unconditional love to others in spite of how they were treated.
If there was ever a command that is constantly disobeyed, it is this mandate to be reconciled. We comfort ourselves with the thought, ‘God knows that I tried to make things right, but the person refused to accept it.’ Nevertheless, God’s word does not say ‘Try to be reconciled’, but ‘Be reconciled’.
As you pray today, reflect upon any conflicts you may be facing. Meditate on Matthew 5:24. Ask for God’s guidance as you seek to find a way to make things right and Be Reconciled.
Source:
“Experiencing God Day-By-Day; The Devotional and Journal”, by Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby ©1997. Entry January 17.
Additional Reading:
Grace, Mercy and Peace
Iron Sharpens Iron
Never Too Busy