5. The Command to “Be Reconciled”
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister 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)
When we harbor anger or resentment of any kind in our hearts, or know that we have offended someone, or even suspect that someone in the family of Christ has “something” against us, our offering of praise is worthless. Our worship of Jesus is distracted and disingenuous. (1 John 3:15, Isaiah 1:14) It is when we put others before ourselves, we are worshiping Jesus. We must be reconciled with each other for our hearts to be free to focus on the only One worthy of our praise.
Jesus said, “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:23-24, NLT)