Reconciled Hearts

Reconciled Hearts

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

Reflection:

Last week we looked at how Jesus came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. This week we see how Jesus often takes the commandments deeper than just external obedience—His aim is your heart. In this passage, He reveals that anger, insults, and resentment are just as serious as murder in God’s eyes. Why? Because these emotions, when unchecked, fester and lead to division, hatred, and ultimately sin.

This kind of anger is often a sin that is easily justifiable, at least in our own eyes: They hurt me first. They don’t deserve my forgiveness. I’ll forgive when they apologize. If they had done this or that differently. But Jesus teaches us that reconciliation is a priority in God’s kingdom. (Read the New Testament there's a lot in there about unity) He even tells us that before we worship—before we bring our offerings to God—we must first make things right with those we have wronged (v. 23-24). And when there are disagreements to not allow them to sit and fester for long (v. 25-26)

This is challenging. Our pride resists making the first move toward reconciliation. But Jesus reminds us that unresolved anger damages not only our horizontal relationships but also our vertical relationship with God. When we cling to resentment, we hinder the peace, joy, and life He wants for us.

Application:

Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or seek forgiveness from?

Are you holding onto anger that’s keeping you from experiencing true peace?

How can you reflect Christ’s love and humility in resolving conflicts?

Prayer:

Father, search my heart and reveal any anger or resentment I need to surrender. Help me to pursue peace, to seek reconciliation, and to reflect Your grace in my relationships. Give me the courage to take the first step. May I always reflect you even in my disagreements and conflict with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.