RECONCILIATION MAKES GIFT GIVING JUST                     Matthew 5:21-26

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. (vv23-24)

Elisha A. Hoffman’s hymn, “Is thy heart right with God” explains clearly the importance of a right heart in God’s sight. One of the stanzas of the hymn states, “Is there no more condemnation for sin? Is thy heart right with God? Does Jesus rule in the temple within? Is thy heart right with God?” As important as giving to the Lord is, Jesus says reconciling with our brothers and sisters should take priority. This is an indication that the worship that the Lord seeks is one that focuses more on the state of our heart than the magnanimity of our outward activities. True religion, according to Jesus, is not one that claims that once God is pleased, it does not matter if our fellow brother or sister is displeased. Leaving our gift before the altar signifies an incomplete worship, and what makes it complete is a right heart with God which offers forgiveness and reconciliation to offenders.

The kind of offering that God seeks is not just the offering of our financial gifts but a total offering of our lives to Him in complete obedience to His commands. To reconcile means to settle offences, apologies for wrongdoing, and seek to mend broken relationships. God considers being at peace with others a greater gift than our money, and He wants us seek reconciliation without delay.  Unresolved anger is a sign that disrupts our worship and offering to God.

PRAYER LINE: O Lord, help me to care about my relationship with You and others.

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Seek reconciliation with those you have offended (NBC)