From the series “The Commands of Christ — Love in Action”
“Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there… and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
— Matthew 5:23–24, NASB 1995
Worship does not bypass reconciliation.
God is not honored by offerings brought from an unforgiving heart.
Love that honors Christ must also seek peace with His people.
Jesus does not say, “If you are angry, go.”
He says, “If your brother has something against you…”
This is not about waiting to be approached. It is about taking responsibility—even when the pain is mutual, the fault is unclear, or the path feels awkward.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”
— Romans 12:18
Reconciliation is not always possible.
But obedience always is.
We may not always restore the relationship, but we must remove the offense.
God does not want worship from hearts that are unwilling to be humbled.
He wants truth in the inner being (Psalm 51:6).
And that means going—not in pride, but in repentance.
Not to accuse, but to own.
Not to lecture, but to love.
The early Church knew that unity was not a bonus. It was a requirement.
The Didache (c. AD 50–100):
“Do not let the sun go down on your anger… and do not come together with a grudge in your heart. Let your sacrifice be pure.”
— Didache, Ch. 14
Clement of Rome (c. AD 96):
“Let us put away the quarrels that arose from foolishness… let us be reconciled in Christ, and walk in the fear of the Lord.”
— 1 Clement, Ch. 51
They knew what we often forget:
Reconciliation is not a side issue.
It is part of what it means to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God (1 Peter 2:5).
Sometimes the hardest obedience is not confronting those who hurt us—
but seeking peace with those we’ve hurt.
Even if unintentionally.
Even if they misunderstood.
Even if it means bearing shame.
But this is the way of love.
This is the way of the cross.
And it is the command of Christ.
If we want to walk in the presence of God, we must not carry bitterness toward the people of God.
We must seek peace.
We must repent where we have sinned.
We must release where we have been wronged.
This is not weakness—it is worship.
📚 Sources & References
Be Reconciled to Your Brother
Scripture (NASB 1995):
- Matthew 5:23–24 – “First be reconciled to your brother…”
- Romans 12:18 – “If possible… be at peace with all people.”
- Psalm 51:6 – “You desire truth in the innermost being.”
- 1 Peter 2:5 – “A holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices…”
Ante-Nicene Sources:
- The Didache, Chapter 14.
“Do not come together with a grudge in your heart… Let your sacrifice be pure.”
[Available at: EarlyChristianWritings.com]
- Clement of Rome, 1 Clement, Chapter 51.
“Let us put away the quarrels… let us be reconciled in Christ.”
[Available at: NewAdvent.org]
2–3 minutes
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