Matthew 5:23,24
“Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering”.
This verse is furthering the theme that christianity is a religion of the heart. Jesus introduced that in verse 22. That is if we hate someone in our hearts, it’s as if we are guilty of murder. So, if we know of an issue we’ve got with someone, then we are to reconcile with them as soon as possible.
The verse is speaking of a brother. Are we not to do this with an unbeliever? That depends. I’m in a situation at work in which one of teams I belong to is in conflict. One person I don’t trust. She could turn it into something different, lie and report that. The other member I’ve brought up issues with her. However, it’s all quite tense to where I wouldn’t approach either. I’m attempting to be forgiving and gracious.
There are some christians I wouldn’t approach. Proverbs 26:4 says, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him.” Unfortunately some believers are fools that can’t be trusted.
About the immediacy of this challenge. Paul said this in Ephesians 4:26, ‘”Be angry, yet do not sin.” Do not let the sun set upon your anger’. Don’t let a problem remain, if we can fix it. Some times we can’t fix it in a day. The idea is as soon as possible. Just because we’ve attempted to reconcile, doesn’t mean it’s over. The other person may need time to forgive. That’s in their court.
This is great advice. If we don’t fix it quick then that could bring up other issues. Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God, and that no root of bitterness springs up to cause trouble and defile many.” When we allow problems to remain we risk becoming bitter. It fouls the water. It usually isn’t isolated, but affects others and the problem is compounded. It’s better to keep short accounts, if possible.
Thank You, Lord for this advice. I know it can be uncomfortable, but it’s for the best. Help us to have wisdom with this.