Reconcile Before It's Too Late

Matthew 5: 21-26 continues Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a pure heart.

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[b] shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. 26 Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny.

The church I attended as a child put so much emphasis on being pure at heart before giving your tithes that before offering was collected at every service, the pastor would say
it is more important that you offer your tithes with a pure heart than to give tithes. There would be a period before the offering that persons would get up greet each other and apologize for any wrongdoings. People would cry and really get emotional during that time. What was always amazing to see was that some people would be shocked when others approached them to say how they hurt them or apologize for something they did. It was amazing because sometimes the other person wouldn't know that they had hurt that person or that someone had done them wrong.  In the end, there were occasions when the reconciled church members would go before the altar to offer their tithes together. This was always beautiful to see growing up. In fact, one of our musicians composed a song about reconciliation and bringing gifts to the altar that we would sing during that part of the service.

As humans, our lives are fleeting. We do not know what tomorrow, the next hour or the next second brings. When someone wrongs us, we might choose to hold onto the hurt instead of seeking reconciliation. Or perhaps, after wronging someone, we avoid apologizing and act as if nothing happened. However, it’s so important to keep our conscience clear. From personal experience, I can say how freeing and transformative it is to apologize or ask for forgiveness when we’ve done someone wrong. It’s more than just an emotional release—it’s a deeply spiritual experience. You can almost feel the chains of guilt and resentment breaking away, leaving your heart lighter and truly liberated.

Jesus was basically saying sometimes the sin we think carries the most conviction is murder, however sins such as being angry with someone for no reason or calling someone a fool carry the same conviction as murder. Can you believe that? That's almost hard to conceive.

Jesus understands that even if we aren’t judged by a jury or sentenced to prison in this life, our sins carry a far greater consequence—a sentence for our soul that far outweighs any earthly punishment: the fires of hell. So, which is more severe—temporary imprisonment on earth or the eternal suffering of your soul in hell?

For this reason, before things escalate and get out of hand, it is best to deal with the issue. (Matthew 5:23-25) You do not want to reach the point where it has gone too far and it's hard or impossible to do anything about it when indeed "you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny." (Matthew 5:26). Ever had an issue that escalated out of hand when if you nipped it in the bud, it wouldn't be a factor now? I've been there. Best to apologize, forgive, and reconcile before you cannot do anything about it and that opportunity is gone.

At that church, I learned a valuable lesson, some things in life that we harbor in our hearts, hurt us and those around us and do greater damage to us in the end. It is best to let those things go, whatever it is. Jesus is the best therapist out there and He was preaching how to keep our hearts pure and how to do it way before Dr. Phil and others came along. The best thing for us to do is to follow his prescription and we will be better than alright.

"And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins." - Mark 11:25

If I have wronged you, knowingly and unknowingly, I humbly ask for your forgiveness. 

May God continue to bless you.