“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” (Matthew 5:23-24).
We do not live for ourselves. This world puts oneself first, last and always. The Lord calls for us to put others first. The Lord calls for us to seek to make things right whenever we can. Yes, we are forgiven, and by grace we are reconciled to the Lord, but are we willing to do the same with our neighbor? The Lord is interested in leading us to the place where we truly love our neighbor as we love the Lord.
“Lord, if you only knew.” How often do we either want to vilify or justify. Help me to admit that I have sinned and learn how to truly repent. More often than acknowledging it, we want to let it go and not do what we can to make the situation right. Too often, each one of us hides behind letting things be in the past when we can do something about it. It is a sacrifice to do what is right. Which sacrifice does the Lord want, your offering or your repentance? According to His word, does He not want both?
Lord, You know my heart. I too often take the easier route and play games. I give you an offering and I think all is well with my soul. Create in me a clean heart that does not play this game. Guide me in Your goodness to do what is right always. Lead me from where I am to where I need to be so that I love my brothers and sisters as You have loved me. Let my pride be sacrificed for Your love and my reconciliation with others reflect Your love. Amen.
