The "Go" of Reconciliation

Do you find yourself in worship and a human conflict in your life comes to mind? Sometimes we like to think that if we’re “good with God” that it doesn’t matter if we are in conflict with a brother. That’s just not right. Our communion with our Lord requires a clean slate with our neighbor. 

It is no excuse that the neighbor has not taken the initiative or that “he’s the one with the problem.” This verse says, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you . . . .” It places on us the burden of reconciliation even when it’s not us “with the problem.:” Jesus does not mention the other person— He says for you to go. It is not a matter of your rights. The true mark of the saint is that he can waive his own rights and obey the Lord Jesus.

“. . . and then come and offer your gift.” Notice that although we need to reconcile, we are not to be caught up in reconciliation. Our final and highest obligation is our relationship with our God. We must put reconciliation with others first in time, but Our God remains first in our priority.