Scripture:
Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your offering.
– Matthew 5:23-24 (NASB)
When we hold a grudge against someone, it is difficult to focus on God. We will have a hard time praying and enjoying the presence of God. Therefore, the Lord instructs us to make things right between a brother or sister before we go to the altar. If an offense is not immediately dealt with, it slowly burrows inside us until it is deeply entombed in our hearts. It then becomes too difficult to let go. Therefore, the Lord commands we act now before it poisons our spirit and interferes with our prayers.
Prayer: Father, we know all things are possible in You. Help us to desire You more than our egos. Help us take action to reconcile with a brother or sister that we have hurt or offended, so our intimacy with You is not hindered. Give us Your strength so we may serve You with a pure heart.
Petition: Pray that every member who has engaged in gossip and slander of another member will be drawn to repentance. That we will ask each other for forgiveness and be reconciled to one another so that God will unify us. Pray that our different perspectives will sharpen us and make us stronger.