Stay Out of Court!

Day 24 Matthew 5:23-25


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. 25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.”

These verses flow from the last one regarding anger. Notice at the heart of the last seven commandments is our relationship with others.  While the first three deal with our relationship with God, the last seven flow from the first three. Jesus says, “If you are offering something at church, and at the same time you have a bad relationship with another believer reconcile with them first.”  This shows how radical of a problem anger can be. Then, he gives advice that is very relevant today in our litigious society.  He says settle your problem with your adversary before it gets to court.  Solve the problem relationally, before it is settled legally. Is there a relationship that has gone awry in your life? Will you swallow your pride and go this person to reconcile your differences with them?


Jesus, you called us to have loving and caring relationships with others in the body of Christ. May this be a priority in our lives. Help us to take the first step when a relationship is broken and needs healing! Amen.

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