So 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 and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. — Matthew 5:23-24

The Jews of Jesus’ time offered gifts at the altar acknowledging the Lord’s redeeming work on their behalf both in the past (e.g. the exodus from Egypt) and yet to come (e.g. the promised Messiah). God’s Law outlined which gifts one ought to offer on which occasions, and so forth. Today, as we acknowledge the Lord’s redeeming work on our behalf, we are also inspired to offer gifts of thanksgiving, time, talents, and good deeds that benefit others.

In this passage, Christ is rather insistent that the good work God most desires of us is to seek reconciliation and forgiveness with and from one another.

Why?

Forgiveness and reconciliation of His people to Himself were God’s top priorities in sending Christ, our Saviour. Christ fed, taught, healed and restored the dead to life – all fabulous works which truly reflect the nature of our compassionate Lord. However, His ultimate offering of obedience to God was His death on the cross to forgive our sins and reconcile us to the Father.

So where does that leave us when our Christian brother (or sister) may have a grievance against us? We can praise our Lord for His reconciliation of us to Himself through His gift of forgiveness . We can put that offering (of good work, thanksgiving, or what-have-you) on the back burner and boldly, humbly, honestly go to seek reconciliation with that brother or sister. And, if we are the ones who have a grievance against the other, then we can boldly, humbly, faithfully reflect the forgiveness of Christ. For it is Jesus’ offering which forgives, and reconciles us and our brothers and sisters to Himself and to one another.

We pray: Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Amen.