A devotional on reconciliation takes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV) seriously: if you are about to worship and recall that someone has a grievance against you, you should go and make things right before you come back to God with your offering. Restored relationships matter deeply to God.
Key Verse
“leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24, ESV)
Interrupted Worship
Jesus pictures someone at the temple, about to offer a sacrifice. It was a holy moment. Yet Jesus says if you remember that someone has something against you, stop. Leave the gift. Go make it right. Then come back.
That is startling. Jesus says relationships with people are so important that they can interrupt worship.
When Someone Has Something Against You
Notice the direction. Jesus does not say if you have something against them, though that matters too. He says if someone else holds a grievance against you. Even if you are not sure you were wrong, Jesus calls you to take initiative toward peace.
Reconciliation often begins with humility: listening, asking forgiveness, and owning our part.
Worship and Relationships
God cares about how we treat each other. We cannot honestly sing about God’s love on Sunday while refusing to deal with broken relationships on Monday. Unresolved conflict hinders our prayers and our witness.
This does not mean every relationship will be fully restored. Paul says, as far as it is up to you, live at peace with everyone. We cannot control the other person’s response.
Safe and Wise Reconciliation
Reconciliation should never require someone to return to an abusive or dangerous situation. In such cases, seek help from a counselor or pastor. Reconciliation with an unsafe person may look like forgiveness from a distance, not restored closeness.
Take the First Step
Most reconciliation starts with a small step: a message, a call, a coffee invitation, an honest apology. God goes with you.
Reconciliation takes courage and time. It may begin with a short apology, a phone call, or a willingness to listen. Not every relationship will be fully restored, but you can do your part with humility and leave the rest to God.
Reconciliation is not always quick. Sometimes the first step is a short message or an honest apology without excuses.
Today, Try This
Ask God to bring to mind someone who has something against you. Pray about it, then take one step toward reconciliation this week.
Reflection Question
Is there someone you need to reconcile with before you bring your next offering to God?
Prayer
Lord, you reconciled me to yourself through Jesus. Show me where my relationships need repair. Give me humility to take the first step, courage to apologize, and wisdom to seek peace safely. Let my worship be honest before you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Matthew 5:23-24 mean?
In Matthew 5:23-24 (ESV), Jesus teaches that restoring broken relationships is so important that it should take priority even over offering worship. Believers should take initiative toward reconciliation.
Do I have to reconcile with someone who hurt me?
Christians are called to forgive and pursue peace as far as possible. But reconciliation requires both parties and safety. With abusive or unrepentant people, forgiveness may happen without restored closeness.
How do I start reconciling with someone?
Pray first, examine your own part, reach out humbly, listen without defending yourself, apologize specifically for what you did wrong, and be patient. Consider involving a wise mediator if needed.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Sermon on the Mount study
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: Devotional on Anger (devotional)
- Related: Prince of Peace Devotional
- Related: Blessed Are the Peacemakers Devotional
- Related: Devotional on How Often to Forgive