[ecko_quote source="Matthew 5:24"]Leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift[/ecko_quote]
It is useless to give offerings to God (including our singing and praise & worship) to God while you are at enmity with your brother/sister. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has something against them. The world seeks reconciliation on limited terms. Christians are to be reconciled whatever it takes.
You say, “But you don’t know how deeply he/she hurt me! It’s unreasonable to ask me to restore our relationship.” Or, “I tried but they do not pacify.” Jesus did not include an exception clause for our reconciliation. If the person is an enemy, Jesus said to love him (Matt 5:44). If he persecutes you, you are to pray for him. If he/she publicly humiliates you, you are not to retaliate (Matt 5:39), If someone takes advantage of you, you are to give even more than he asks (Matt 5:41)
The world preaches “proclaim yourself”. Jesus taught, “Deny yourself”. The world warns that you will be constantly exploited. Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples be treated fairly but that they show unconditional love to others regardless of how they are treated. Men spat upon Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. His response was our model: “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34).
If there were ever a command that is constantly disobeyed, it is this mandate to be reconciled. We comfort ourselves with the thought, “God knows that I tried to make things right, but my enemy refused.” God’s word does not say “try to be reconciled” but “Be reconciled”
I am very much aware the above is very much difficult to practice but as a Christian people we don’t have any other way/option. Surely it would be good for our health and spiritual growth if we do so. The matter is up to us to follow the God's word or deny it.
Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? Then do what God tell you to do.
Image Source:
[https://blog.cloudflare.com/content/images/2014/Sep/handshake1.jpg]
