Matthew 5:23-24 says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."
To be reconciled means to restore or change from one thing to another. The Greek context indicates that one or both parties could be at fault.
Jesus is saying that even when we are doing something as important as offering Him a sacrifice, if you realize you have an unresolved issue with someone you must go and restore the relationship first and then come back to offer your sacrifice.
I've heard it said that God is in the restoration business. It's clear throughout the bible that He wants relationships restored; our relationships with Him and our relationships with others. In fact, I would say that is the common theme that is woven throughout the entire bible; God's plan to restore or reconcile us with Him all the way from Adam and Eve's first sin through His returning to take us into eternity with Him at the End Times in Revelation. How beautiful is that!?
Next up: Jesus' Command #7 - Do Not Lust
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