Matthew 5:23-24 23 "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that a brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them, then come and offer your gift."
Relationships BEFORE religion.
Harmony BEFORE hymns.
Peace BEFORE preaching.
Accord BEFORE alters.
Note: The verse is not "do I have something against a brother", but does that brother have something against me. Even if I have not warranted the ill will, I am still required to make things right with him. (In reality, most of the time, I will have played a part in the ill will.) The onus of action is on the offending party here, not the offended. AND it doesn't matter if we were right or wrong in the disagreement. If a someone has something against us- justified or not- we are to actively attempt reconciliation.
BE reconciled, not TRY to be reconciled. Perhaps that means more than just a "Hey, bud, sorry I made you mad." The reconciliation may take time and more than one attempt. That brings the question to mind, if time is required, am I to stay away from church until the reconciliation takes place? I think common sense would say that is not the intent of Jesus' teaching here. But, I am not released from the reconciliation requirement until the relationship is restored.
CAUTION: Do NOT attempt this alone. Prayer and the Holy Spirit's guidance are integral to this process.
Practical application thought. . . Just how far back and what past hurts should be dug up? Does a party in a bitter divorce call up an ex after 10 years? Should a mistreated former employee call the department manager who fired him after a lot of time has passed? Is there a risk of damaging current relationships by dredging up past mistakes? (Or am I making a justification to avoid an uncomfortable Biblical mandate?)
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