Reconciliation

Reconciliation

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’  
But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. 
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. 
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.  
I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny."
                                                                                                    Matthew 5:21-26

What Jesus is saying here is make things right.
Paul writes,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
                                                                           Romans 12:18,19

It is imperative that we do our best to make things right with those we have wronged. It is the only way we can truly witness to them.
Someone who even perceives that we have wronged them will hold a grudge. Will at times take us to court. And we run the potential of being thrown in jail for our misdeeds.
We must go to them and do all that is possible to correct the problem.
If we refuse to make things right to our brother then how can we possibly expect God to for give us.
We must avoid anger that only exasperates the problem and forgive those who angers us or has done things against us.
 In the Lords prayer Jesus says,
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
                                                                                         Matthew 6:12.
We are under an obligation to correct any wrong we have done and to forgive those who have wronged us no matter what it is.
Only then can we go before the alter of God and give our gifts to Him.
Think about it.