Matthew 5:23-24
"Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Matthew 5:25
"Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge..."
Jesus teaches something surprising: our worship of God and our relationships with other people are deeply connected. If you are about to worship God and you remember that someone has something against you—a broken relationship, an unresolved conflict, a wrong you did to someone—Jesus says to stop your worship and go make it right first. God cares deeply about how we treat one another. A heart that is right with God should also be a heart that seeks to be right with others. Jesus also teaches us not to let conflicts drag on. Settle disagreements quickly before they grow worse.
Is there anyone in your life who you have wronged or who holds something against you? Don't wait. Go to that person humbly and seek to make things right. It may mean saying "I am sorry," returning something you took, or simply having an honest conversation. Do not let pride keep you from reconciliation. Your relationship with God is connected to your relationships with others.
Why does Jesus connect our worship of God with our relationships with others?
Is there someone you need to reconcile with? What is stopping you?
How can settling conflicts quickly protect your heart and your relationships?