Reconilliation Trumps Worship

by Charles Ligon

Matthew 5:23-24 therefore if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

For several years I held a grudge and harbored resentment toward a Christian brother. It was a very painful time for me until that day I asked forgiveness and sought reconciliation. Reflecting back, the broken relationship had an effect on my daily life. It impacted Christian fellowship and it caused my daily worship to sometimes feel more like duty than delight. And, according to Jesus in Matthew 5:23-24, it also impacted the gift I brought to the altar; my daily worship as unto the Lord.

For workplace Christians, bringing our best to the Lord through our work means we give our best through our work. It is our gift to Him. But, what if we have a grudge against a fellow Christian? What if we have sinned against our Christian brother/sister and there is some unresolved conflict? Will our worship through work be acceptable?

According to Jesus, reconciliation trumps worship. God does not welcome our worship when there is unresolved conflict. Unresolved conflict, personal grudges and an unforgiving spirit hinders both our fellowship with others and our daily worship unto the Lord. The grace, mercy and forgiveness that we have received from God must always affect how we respond to others. With this understanding, reconciliation must take priority over worship.

Our workplace challenge is to ask these questions: Do I have unresolved conflict with someone? Do I need to offer or seek forgiveness? If the answer is yes, go and be reconciled to your brother or sister. Jesus doesn't want our gift if He doesn't first have our heart; and if we are at odds with our brother or sister in Christ, then He doesn't fully have our heart. The Body of Christ functions together and if the body is broken the whole body is encumbered. So, repair that broken relationship then offer your gift to the glory of the Lord.