Today’s Reading: Matthew 5:23-26 (HCSB)
So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Reach a settlement quickly with your adversary while you’re on the way with him, or your adversary will hand you over to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you will be thrown into prison. I assure you: You will never get out of there until you have paid the last penny!
Today’s Question: How do you typically handle conflict with other people?
Today’s Commentary:
Some people come to the church building every time the doors are open. These faithful folks would rather you cut off their right arm than miss a service or a meeting. But what if Jesus told them not to come? Could you imagine a scenario where Jesus said, “Don’t come to ‘Church’”?
In our passage for today, this is the point of Jesus’ warning. Don’t come to the assembly of believers if you have a particular problem. The problem is not even within yourself. If someone else has an issue with you, go to that person and try to make peace, before you come to worship God with other followers of Christ.
Jesus said later in His teaching ministry that the greatest command was to love and worship God and the second greatest was to love others. In this moment on the mountainside, Jesus brings these two commands together in a practical illustration. Leave your offering on the altar and take the first step of reconciliation where there is a relationship that is broken.
Before gathering together (for most of us this is Sunday morning), we should reflect upon and examine our lives. Humbly, we should ask the Holy Spirit to bring to our memory anyone whom we have offended or who has offended us. Don’t wait for the other person to take the first step. By the way, notice the urgency with which Jesus addresses this issue. This is of the utmost importance to our Lord.
Strangely, Jesus is calling on the “offender” to reconcile. Later, Jesus will instruct the “offended” to seek reconciliation: “If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.” (Matthew 18:15, HCSB) The point is simple. As Christians, we must seek reconciliation without regard to who is at fault. Our relationships with each other reflect our relationship with God. As Sinclair Ferguson confirms, “The principle is clear: right relationships with others are part of the meaning of the commandment not to murder.”
To whom do you need to pay a visit today? Is there someone you need to call on the phone? Do not leave issues unresolved. Heed the command of our Lord: “so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18, ESV)
“Follow One, Lead Others” Principle #17: Christ followers seek to make reconciliation immediately when relationships are strained.
Today’s Prayer Point: Pray that the Holy Spirit would bring to your mind any relationships that need mending and that He would go ahead of you to bring a peaceful resolution and restoration.
Shepherding Well 