Day 95 · Week 14
Passage: Matthew 5:23–24
Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:26
Matthew 5:23–24 (KJV)
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
Jesus connects our relationship with God to the way we handle broken relationships with people.
Imagine someone arriving to worship with a gift for God. Then he remembers that another person has something against him.
Jesus says reconciliation is important enough to deal with immediately.
We sometimes prefer religious activity to difficult conversations. It may feel easier to pray, sing, attend church, or read the Bible than to say, “I was wrong. Will you forgive me?”
But worship is not meant to become a hiding place from responsibility.
Notice that Jesus focuses here on remembering that someone has something against us. Instead of asking only, “Who has hurt me?” disciples should also ask, “Whom have I hurt?”
Reconciliation does not always mean a relationship can return to exactly what it was before. Trust may need rebuilding. Serious situations may require boundaries, counsel, or protection. And we cannot force another person to reconcile.
But we can take responsibility for our own wrong, apologize sincerely, make restitution where possible, and seek peace.
Why can saying “I was wrong” be so difficult?
If you know you have wronged someone, prayerfully consider what step you can take to make it right.
Ask God for humility to admit wrong quickly and courage to seek reconciliation where you can.