We Can't Please God and Refuse to Reconcile With Others

Reconciliation is important.

“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

We can’t be in right relationship with God, “offering our gifts at the altar,” while refusing to reconcile with friends, family, neighbors, or co-workers. In fact, we can't love God if we refuse to love people (1 John 4:20). 

When we sin, we must ask God to forgive us, but we must also ask forgiveness of those we've hurt. 

Relationships aren’t broken because of conflict – most relationships have conflict. They’re broken because someone refuses to repent, forgive, or discuss problems with an open mind.(1)

Have you refused to forgive someone? Have you refused to discuss a problem with someone who is willing? Ask God if there’s something more you should do. Then come and offer your gifts to the Lord.

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(1) Sometimes people refuse to reconcile and we can't force it, but as Romans 12:18 explains: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." This is especially important in regard to our parents. God has placed a special emphasis on our relationship with our parents (Ephesians 6:2). If we refuse to show them respect, refuse to listen to their concerns, refuse to make every effort to reconcile our differences, we show disrespect for God. See Let's Grow Up!

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