Get It Right: Reconciliation Before the Altar💜💜💜
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." —Matthew 5:23-24 (NKJV)
Today’s devotional is going to challenge us. It may even make some of us uncomfortable. But let’s be real—we need to get this right! It’s time to stop just getting by. We need to take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves: Are we truly displaying the heart of God?
Worship is more than a song or lifting our hands—it’s about the posture of our hearts before God. Jesus makes it clear in Matthew 5:23-26 that reconciliation is not optional; it’s essential. We often hold onto offense, bitterness, and past wounds. Sometimes, we feel justified in our anger. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard. He tells us to stop everything—even our worship—until we've made things right with others.
Imagine standing before God, lifting up your praise, while deep down you know there’s unresolved tension with someone in your life. That’s a problem. And Jesus doesn’t want us to ignore it. He says, Pause. Stop what you’re doing. Leave your gift at the altar. Go seek reconciliation. Then come back and worship. Why? Because God values reconciliation over routine religion.
Unforgiveness is a barrier between us and God. A heart weighed down by resentment cannot fully embrace His love, His grace, or His presence. But when we humble ourselves, when we seek forgiveness and extend it, our worship is purified, our prayers are unhindered, and our relationship with God deepens.
So, take a moment today. Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there a conversation you need to have? Don’t wait. Take the first step toward reconciliation and watch how God moves—not just in your relationships, but in your worship.
Prayer: Lord, search my heart. Show me any broken relationships that need healing. Give me the humility to seek reconciliation and the grace to forgive. Let my worship be pure, unhindered, and pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
#TimeGetItRight! #RealConversation! #LetsTalkAboutIt!
