Leave Your Gift: The Call to Reconciliation
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
The Weight of Unresolved Conflict
Have you ever tried to pray but felt a wall between you and God? Have you ever attempted to worship, but your heart was heavy with the weight of a broken relationship? Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:23-24 cut straight to the heart of the matter—reconciliation matters to God just as much as worship.
We live in a culture that often encourages us to “let things go,” to bury our frustrations, or to walk away from relationships that get messy. But Jesus makes it clear that God doesn’t just want our sacrifices—He wants our obedience. If we carry unresolved bitterness, if we’ve hurt someone and haven’t sought to make things right, then our worship is hindered.
Reconciliation Before Worship
Imagine the scene Jesus describes: A man comes to the temple, ready to offer his sacrifice. He is about to lay his gift before the altar, an act of devotion and worship to God. But suddenly, he remembers—someone has something against him. He has wronged someone.
Jesus doesn’t say, “Offer your gift and then deal with it later.” No. He says, Stop. Leave. Go. Reconcile.
This is radical. Jesus prioritizes relational healing over religious ritual. Before we try to commune with God, we need to take responsibility for the conflicts we have left unresolved.
This does not mean we can control the outcome of reconciliation. Some people may refuse to forgive. Others may not want to restore a relationship. But obedience isn’t about guaranteeing results—it’s about taking the steps God calls us to take.
Romans 12:18 reminds us:
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
We can’t force peace, but we can pursue it. We can’t guarantee reconciliation, but we can take responsibility for our part.
Why Reconciliation Matters to God
Why does Jesus call us to pursue reconciliation before worship? Because broken relationships don’t just affect us—they affect our walk with God.
Unresolved conflict hinders our prayers.
Mark 11:25 says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
How can we expect to receive grace from God when we refuse to extend it to others?
Unforgiveness leads to bitterness.
Ephesians 4:31-32 commands us to get rid of bitterness, anger, and malice, replacing them with kindness and forgiveness.
When we don’t resolve conflict, it festers. It affects our hearts, our attitudes, and even our relationship with God.
The Gospel is about reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:18 says, “God reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
If we have received reconciliation from God, how can we withhold it from others?
How to Pursue Reconciliation
Jesus doesn’t just command reconciliation—He models it. On the cross, He absorbed the cost of our sins to make peace between us and God. As followers of Christ, we must be willing to humble ourselves, admit our wrongs, and seek restoration.
Here are practical steps to take when we need to reconcile:
1. Acknowledge the Conflict
Ask yourself: Does someone have something against me? Have I wronged someone?
Pray for clarity and courage to address the situation.
2. Take the Initiative
Jesus says, “First go.” Don’t wait for them to come to you. Take responsibility and make the first move.
3. Apologize Without Excuses
Own your actions. A true apology says: “I was wrong. I hurt you. Will you forgive me?”
Avoid justifications like, “I’m sorry if you felt hurt.” That’s not an apology—it’s a deflection.
4. Seek Peace, Not Just Resolution
Reconciliation isn’t just about fixing a problem—it’s about restoring peace.
Sometimes, reconciliation means agreeing to move forward differently. It may not always mean returning to the same relationship dynamic, but it does mean letting go of bitterness.
5. Leave the Outcome to God
You cannot control how someone will respond. They may not forgive you. They may not want to reconcile. But your job is obedience—God handles the results.
The Gift God Wants Most
At the heart of Jesus’ words is this truth: Our worship is not just about what we bring to God—it’s about the condition of our hearts.
If we come before God with anger, pride, or unresolved conflict, our hands are not truly open to receive His grace. But when we pursue reconciliation, we reflect the very heart of Christ, who came to reconcile us to God.
So before you worship, before you serve, before you pray—is there someone you need to go to?
Maybe it’s a friend. A family member. A brother in Christ. Maybe it’s time to humble yourself, own your part, and take a step toward peace.
God desires hearts that are right with Him—and with each other. Let’s not delay the obedience that leads to freedom.
