Jesus places relational repair above religious ritual: if someone has something against you, go and make peace before you offer worship. He puts the initiative on you — not waiting for the other person — because unresolved conflict between believers contradicts the worship they bring.
Matthew 5:24 KJV“Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.”
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Jesus interrupts the act of worship to give this command: go first and make peace. He places relational repair above religious ritual — and He doesn't say wait for the other person to come to you. This calls for humility, initiative, and the willingness to go even when you believe you are in the right. Is there someone right now with whom things are unresolved, and have you been postponing the reconciliation Jesus says must come first?
Before you worship, before you pray, before you do one more religious thing — first be reconciled. Name the person right now. Go to them today. Take the initiative even if you think you're in the right, even if they should come to you. Seek peace, confess your part, make it right. Jesus commands reconciliation first — not after you feel ready, not after they apologize, not eventually. The altar can wait. Go now and be reconciled to your brother.
When you obey this command, you learn what the Father prioritizes: right relationship among His children comes before your personal worship. He values reconciliation over ritual. As you go humbly to make peace, you align your will with His and discover His heart. This obedience teaches you the true nature of approaching Him — He cares how you treat His children.
forgiveness | peace | worship
This is one of 69 direct commands of Jesus in the free Red Letter Challenge: All Commands of Jesus — The Living Sword
Read every Scripture in your chosen translation (WEB, KJV, Geneva, YLT, and more) at https://www.thelivingsword.org/red-letter-challenge/first-be-reconciled