Read: Matthew 5:23-24
Have you ever watched an episode of Dr. Pimple Popper? I’m a fan, and one of the things I often wonder is how people let their cysts grow so large before seeking help. But when you listen to their stories, it makes sense. They get used to it. They adapt to the discomfort, ignoring how much pain or difficulty it’s causing in their daily lives. Unreconciled relationships are a lot like that. We learn to live with the tension, letting it quietly affect us, until we’ve almost forgotten what life felt like without it.
Jesus addresses this head-on in Matthew 5, showing us that unresolved conflict is not just relationally painful—it’s spiritually significant. Relationships matter deeply to God, and reconciliation is an essential part of our worship.
Picture the ancient Israelites leaving their gift at the altar in obedience to this teaching. It was no small act. The process might have been inconvenient, but the message was clear: broken relationships can’t be ignored, even in worship. Jesus invites us to pause and make things right with others as part of our worship to Him.
Reconciliation is not about assigning blame or waiting for the other person to make the first move. It’s about humility and taking initiative. This doesn’t mean that every relationship will be perfectly restored, but it does mean doing all you can to live peaceably with others (Romans 12:18). The holidays often amplify relational tensions, but they also present an opportunity to bring healing. What would it look like to leave your “gift” today and pursue peace with someone?
Reflection Questions:
- Is there a relationship in your life where reconciliation is needed?
- How might taking the first step toward peace honor God?
- What obstacles keep you from addressing strained relationships?