So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
If we have wronged someone, we must humble ourselves and do whatever is required to gain a clear conscience with God and the person we wronged. However, the person who was also wronged needs to make sure that they don’t counteract their hurt in the same way. They need to confront also in the way God tells us. Both sides need to be humbled and take steps towards reconciliation. Why is reconciliation with others more important to God than whatever gifts we have to offer to Him?
Jesus stated that if we have anything against one another that we need to stop what we are doing and immediately go take care of the situation. We are to do this even in the middle of the worship service. This is how important reconciliation is to God.
When the Holy Spirit speaks to you, take the time to pray over it. It can be that he is teaching us to watch what we say and not have to say anything to the person that we spoke those words too. This is showing us that our words matter, but to necessarily that we have to apologize to the person. Other times He is telling us to go and talk to the person about what was said or done. Every person that God reveals to you that you need to apologize to write it down. Ask God where you need a clear conscience? When a name comes to mind and you have anger, resentment, dread, or fear, this is possible that you need to add this person to your list. Make a list of family, church family, unbelievers, workplace, and your past.
Then seek God’s forgiveness. Then go to the people that you have sinned against and ask for forgiveness.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your grace and mercy. I pray that you will speak to each of us on who we need to be reconciled. Help each of us to have courage to have a clear conscience.
In Jesus Name
Amen
