How can you "leave your gift" to reconcile with others in your life? Foundational Text “Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24) Why This Matters to God • Worship and relationships are inseparable; God receives our offering only when we walk in love (1 John 4:20-21). • Broken fellowship with people hinders fellowship with Him (Isaiah 1:15; 1 Peter 3:7). • Obedience proves love (John 14:15). What “Leave Your Gift” Looks Like Today 1. Pause your “religious” activity – Whether singing, giving, serving, or even leading, be willing to step aside. 2. Acknowledge the offense – Ask the Spirit to uncover anything another “has against you.” – Keep short accounts; unresolved friction grows roots (Hebrews 12:15). 3. Initiate contact promptly – Make the call, send a message, knock on the door. Delay deepens damage (Ephesians 4:26). 4. Approach with humility – Use “I” statements, own your part, avoid blame (Proverbs 15:1). 5. Seek forgiveness specifically – “Will you forgive me for …?” honors both truth and grace (Luke 17:3-4). 6. Offer restitution if needed – Zacchaeus models restoring what was lost (Luke 19:8-9). 7. Return to worship with a clean heart – Reconciliation completed, re-engage in service joyfully (Psalm 24:3-4). Scriptures That Reinforce the Call • Mark 11:25 – Forgive before praying. • Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” • Ephesians 4:31-32 – Put away bitterness; be kind and forgiving. • Colossians 3:13 – Bear with one another, forgive as the Lord forgave you. Common Roadblocks and Biblical Remedies • Pride → Remember Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5-8). • Fear of rejection → Trust God handles outcomes (Proverbs 29:25). • “They should come to me” → Jesus places initiative on the one at the altar. • Deep wounds → Lean on God’s strength to choose forgiveness (Philippians 4:13). Cultivating a Lifestyle of Reconciliation • Daily self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Quick confession and forgiveness within families, workplaces, church. • Accountability partners who ask, “Are your relationships clear?” • Regular remembrance of Christ’s reconciling work on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Resulting Blessings • Unhindered fellowship with God (Psalm 66:18-19). • Restored unity in the body of Christ (Psalm 133:1). • A powerful witness to the world (John 13:35). • Personal peace that guards heart and mind (Philippians 4:7). |
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