Matthew 5: 23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
Many people interpret this passage to say that you cannot properly give an offering to God when you are alienated from others.
While that is accurate, in context, it may mean more. These verses speak of the importance of never leaving disagreements unsettled. Jesus is teaching on the commandment not to kill, and adds that even those who are "angry" with their brother are in "danger of judgement". He then highlights the importance of reconciliation and says, no matter what you're doing, even if you have begun to worship... if you remember an offence ....stop, and go fix it.
In our culture people say that "time heals all wounds", but that is not true. Time does not heal all wounds, in fact it deepens some . Small disagreements, left untreated, become huge divides that never heal. There are instances where people literally don't remember the original issue, but since it was never addressed, their relationships remain broken.
Anger and bitterness need nothing but darkness to grow.
Jesus says immediately shine light on them.
No matter what you're doing, if you remember an issue, go deal with it. Don't let it take root. If God brings it to your mind...go do what you can to fix it.
Nothing is more painful, than the realization that you have wasted years being too prideful or busy to go to a friend or family member and try to show them that you love them too much to be apart.
whatever it is....do it now.
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