"So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God." Matthew 5:23-24
The words "I'm sorry" can be so hard to say, but they are critical in restoring relationships. To admit when we are wrong, have made a mistake, or have offended someone is necessary if we want to have peace and restoration in our relationships. As we think about having better marriages or relationships with family members and friends, we must seek forgiveness and restoration when we have wronged them.
Matthew 5 serves as a reminder that followers of Christ are to be about the ministry of reconciliation. Beginning with Matthew 5:21, Jesus is recorded saying that if anyone is offering a sacrifice to God and remembers that someone has something against them, they must immediately leave to find that person and make amends with them. After they have been reconciled with that person, then they can make a sacrifice to God. Clearly, reconciliation is a big deal to God. It is such a big deal that He would prefer someone to wait to offer a sacrifice until they make amends with someone whom they have wronged.
When it comes to your relationships, do you take reconciliation as seriously as God does? Are you quick to offer an apology, or do you refuse to admit when you have done wrong, willing to let the relationship self-destruct instead of apologize? I urge you, my friends, be people who are about restoration and are not afraid to admit our wrongdoing and apologize. Taking on this attitude can provide healing that many relationships desperately need.
As you seek to be a person who takes reconciliation seriously, is there anyone in your life who you need to apologize to? Have you hurt or offended someone close to you? Take the step today to reach out to that person. Apologize to them and seek to move forward in your relationship with them if they are willing to move forward.
“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell.
“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison.
