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“Settle matters quickly.” That is not a suggestion. It is a command from the lips of the Lord Jesus Himself.
Let us look at what the Word of God says:
> “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.
> Do it while you are still together on the way,
> or your adversary may hand you over to the judge,
> and the judge may hand you over to the officer,
> and you may be thrown into prison.
> Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
> — Matthew 5:25–26 (NIV)
And again, in the same context:
> “Leave your gift there in front of the altar.
> First go and be reconciled to your brother;
> then come and offer your gift.”
> — Matthew 5:24 (NIV)
Jesus is dealing with one of the deepest and most dangerous issues in the Christian life: unresolved conflict, unreconciled relationships, and the prison of resentment.
The lyrics simply echo the urgent tone of Jesus:
This is not merely about good manners or social harmony. It is about spiritual survival. It is about judgment. It is about our relationship with God. It is about whether we walk as children of God or prisoners of our own bitterness.
Linked with this are:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers,
> for they will be called children of God.”
> — Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
> “Blessed are the merciful,
> for they will be shown mercy.”
> — Matthew 5:7 (NIV)
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,
> live at peace with everyone.”
> — Romans 12:18 (NIV)
The central message: unresolved conflict is spiritually dangerous; reconciliation is urgent; forgiveness is non‑negotiable for a disciple of Jesus. We are to “settle matters quickly” — before they harden into something from which we cannot easily escape.
Matthew 5 is the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is speaking primarily to His disciples, with crowds listening in (Matthew 5:1–2). He is not addressing unbelievers in general terms. He is setting out the constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In this section (Matthew 5:21–26), Jesus is dealing with the commandment, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). But He goes much deeper than physical murder.
> “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago,
> ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’
> But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister
> will be subject to judgment.”
> — Matthew 5:21–22 (NIV)
Jesus is not merely forbidding homicide. He is exposing the heart condition that leads to it: anger, contempt, unforgiveness.
Then He gives two vivid illustrations:
1. The worshiper at the altar (Matthew 5:23–24)
Picture a devout Jew in the Temple in Jerusalem, bringing an offering to God. This was the highest act of worship in Jewish life. Yet Jesus says: if, at that moment, you remember that “your brother has something against you,” leave the gift, go, be reconciled, then come back and offer your gift.
The priority is clear: reconciliation with your brother takes precedence over religious activity. God will not accept worship from a heart deliberately avoiding reconciliation.
2. The adversary on the way to court (Matthew 5:25–26)
Now Jesus moves to a legal picture. Two men are in dispute. One is taking the other to court. The normal human reaction is to fight the case and win. Jesus says the opposite: “Make friends quickly with your opponent while you’re still on the way to court.”
Why? Because there is a judge ahead. A decision will be made. Once the process of judgment begins, the outcome may be irreversible: handed to the judge, then the officer, then the prison. “Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Jesus is using everyday scenes familiar to His hearers — worship at the altar, lawsuits in the courts — to reveal spiritual realities: divine judgment, spiritual captivity, the urgent necessity of mercy and reconciliation.
By the time Paul writes Romans, the same principle is reapplied to the church at Rome:
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18)
Paul, like Jesus, recognizes that not all people will accept peace, but the responsibility on the believer is clear: “as far as it depends on you.”
The lyrics capture this journey: moving from the courtroom scene, to the altar, to the blessing of peacemakers, to the inner prison of resentment.
To go deeper, we must look at two key words in the Greek text of Matthew 5:25–24 and Romans 12:18.
### 1. “Settle matters quickly” – εὐνοέω / ταχύ
In Matthew 5:25 the phrase is often translated “Settle matters quickly with your adversary.” The core sense in Greek is:
It emphasizes urgency. Not when you feel like it. Not when it is convenient. Jesus is saying: act immediately.
The deeper lesson: delayed reconciliation is dangerous reconciliation. The longer anger and offense remain, the more they harden and the more territory they give to Satan (cf. Ephesians 4:26–27).
The lyrics echo this:
“Reconcile fast—don’t let the sun set on your anger”
“Take the first step, swallow your pride…
Settle it now—while mercy is near.”
There is a window of grace. It does not stay open forever.
### 2. “Adversary” – ἀντίδικος (antidikos)
The word “adversary” in Matthew 5:25 is:
This is a legal term, but in the New Testament it is also used spiritually:
> “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion
> looking for someone to devour.”
> — 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV)
The word “enemy” there is *antídikos*. Satan is the ultimate legal adversary, the accuser who seeks a legal basis to restrain, accuse, or devour.
So, this courtroom picture in Matthew is not merely about human lawsuits. Jesus is pointing to a spiritual reality: unresolved conflict can give your spiritual adversary a legal foothold against you.
Unforgiveness, unresolved disputes, refusal to reconcile — these are open doors for the adversary. They can place us in a spiritual “prison,” under a form of captivity, until the last penny of the legal claim is satisfied.
### 3. “As far as it depends on you” – τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν (to ex hymōn)
Romans 12:18:
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
The phrase τὸ ἐξ ὑμῶν means “that which proceeds from you,” “what lies in your power.” Paul is not promising universal peace. He is placing responsibility: we are accountable for what lies within our realm of choice and obedience.
You cannot control another person’s response. You can control your own. The question is not “Will they make peace?” but “Have I done everything that lies with me to make peace?”
Combined, these words show us:
This deepens the meaning of the lyrics: the urgency, the spiritual danger, and the personal responsibility of the believer.
Let us now walk through the key movements of the lyrics, measuring them by Scripture, and uncovering the spiritual realities involved.
### A. “Make friends quickly with your opponent…” – The Urgency of Reconciliation
The opening stanza:
> Make friends quickly with your opponent
> While you’re still on the way to court
> Before the judge decides and hands you over
> To the officer who throws you in prison
> You’ll stay locked up until every last penny is paid
> Don’t let anger turn into something you can’t escape
Jesus paints a sequence:
1. On the way to court
2. Handed to the judge
3. Judge hands you to the officer
4. Officer throws you into prison
5. No release until the last penny is paid
This is both natural and spiritual.
Many Christians live in spiritual prisons they cannot fully explain: bondage, heaviness, inability to progress. Often, the root is unresolved bitterness. The adversary has a legal claim. The “last penny” has not been dealt with.
Jesus’ command is preventive: “Don’t let anger turn into something you can’t escape.” Paul echoes it:
> “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
> and do not give the devil a foothold.”
> — Ephesians 4:26–27 (NIV)
A “foothold” is a place of ground, a legal position. Unresolved anger gives the devil territory in your life.
The lyric “Don’t let anger turn into something you can’t escape” is simply another way of saying: “Do not give the devil a foothold.”
### B. “If you’re bringing your gift to the altar…” – Worship Blocked by Broken Relationships
> If you’re bringing your gift to the altar
> And remember your brother has something against you
> Leave your offering there, go make peace first
> Then come back and worship with a clean heart
> God wants mercy, not just sacrifice
> Reconcile fast—don’t let the sun set on your anger
This stanza restates Matthew 5:23–24:
> “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,
> leave your gift there in front of the altar.
> First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Notice:
God is not only concerned about your hurt; He is concerned about any breach where you have contributed to offending another. If you become aware of this, you are responsible to take initiative.
The lyrics add: “God wants mercy, not just sacrifice.” This picks up Hosea 6:6, which Jesus Himself quotes elsewhere:
> “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
> and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
> — Hosea 6:6 (NIV)
Religious activity without relational mercy is rejected by God. Worship is acceptable only when it flows from a reconciled, forgiving heart.
Many believers complain their prayers seem blocked, their worship seems dry. Often the block is horizontal, not vertical. There is someone they have not forgiven, someone they have refused to approach.
Peter states a similar principle in marriage:
> “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives… so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
> — 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV)
Relational breakdown can hinder prayer.
The lyric “Then come back and worship with a clean heart” points to Psalm 66:18:
> “If I had cherished sin in my heart,
> the Lord would not have listened.”
Unforgiveness, pride, and refusal to reconcile are sins cherished in the heart, and they hinder worship and prayer.
### C. “Blessed are the peacemakers…” – The Mark of God’s Children
> Blessed are the peacemakers
> They’ll be called children of God
> As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone
> Forgive as you’ve been forgiven
> Let go of grudges, release the debt
> Love covers a multitude of wrongs
Scripture defines peacemakers clearly:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers,
> for they will be called children of God.”
> — Matthew 5:9 (NIV)
To be called a child of God is to bear His likeness. God is a reconciler. He took the initiative in reconciliation.
> “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
> — Romans 5:8 (NIV)
> “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s sins against them.”
> — 2 Corinthians 5:19 (NIV)
If we claim to be children of this God, we must act in the same spirit. We must take the initiative in reconciliation, not wait for the other person.
Romans 12:18 adds the practical boundary: “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” There will be cases where the other party refuses. But you are not free to withhold your side of the initiative.
The lyrics continue: “Forgive as you’ve been forgiven” — that is Colossians 3:13:
> “Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This sets the measure of our forgiveness: how fully, how freely, how undeservedly God has forgiven us. To hold grudges in the light of such mercy is spiritual hypocrisy.
“Let go of grudges, release the debt” — that is the very language Jesus uses in Matthew 18 (the unforgiving servant). The unforgiving servant refused to release a fellow servant’s small debt after being forgiven a vast one himself. The result:
> “In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.”
> — Matthew 18:34 (NIV)
Then Jesus adds:
> “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you
> unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
> — Matthew 18:35 (NIV)
Again, we see imprisonment linked to unforgiveness. The “prison” is not imagined. It is a spiritual reality.
“Love covers a multitude of wrongs” echoes 1 Peter 4:8:
> “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Love does not deny sin; it chooses not to expose, rehearse, or weaponize it. It covers. It releases. It frees both offender and offended.
### D. “Small things grow bitter…” – The Growth of Resentment
> Small things grow bitter if we let them stay
> A word unspoken can ruin the day
> But grace steps in and makes a way
> Humble yourself, reach out today
> The prison of resentment only chains your soul
> Freedom comes when you choose to let it go
Here the lyrics touch on a principle found in Hebrews:
> “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
> — Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
A “bitter root” often begins small — “small things.” A misunderstood remark, a slight, a delayed apology. If left undealt with, it grows, “causing trouble and defiling many.”
“A word unspoken can ruin the day” — that is, the refusal to speak reconciliation words: “I’m sorry.” “I forgive you.” “Can we talk?” Silence can be as destructive as hostile speech.
“But grace steps in and makes a way.” Grace is God’s enabling power to do what our flesh does not want to do. In our own strength, we will not humble ourselves. Grace enables humility.
“Humble yourself, reach out today” reflects 1 Peter 5:5–6:
> “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
> ‘God opposes the proud
> but shows favor to the humble.’
> Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand…”
“God opposes the proud.” If we refuse to humble ourselves in conflict, we may actually find God in opposition to us.
“The prison of resentment only chains your soul” — again, that is exactly what Jesus teaches in Matthew 18. The unforgiving servant is imprisoned and tormented. The bondage is primarily on the one who refuses to forgive.
“Freedom comes when you choose to let it go.” This is the spiritual law of release: you are freed as you free others. When you release them from their “debt,” you are yourself released from the prison of bitterness.
### E. “Take the first step, swallow your pride…” – Initiative and Mercy
> Take the first step, swallow your pride
> Make things right before the night arrives
> God sees the heart that chooses peace
> And opens wide the door to sweet release
> Settle it now—while mercy is near
“Take the first step” echoes God’s own nature. He took the first step toward us while we were still sinners, enemies, rebels (Romans 5:8–10). Children of God imitate their Father: they take the initiative in reconciliation.
“Swallow your pride” — pride is the root of most relational breakdown. Pride says, “They must come to me first.” The gospel demands the opposite spirit.
“Make things right before the night arrives” reflects Ephesians 4:26–27 again: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” Each day has its own set of relational issues. God says: resolve them quickly; do not sleep on your anger.
“God sees the heart that chooses peace” — He weighs hearts (Proverbs 21:2). You may not always get the response you hope for from others, but God sees and honors the intent and obedience.
“And opens wide the door to sweet release” — this is the release from inner prison, from demonic pressure, from spiritual heaviness. Many deliverance issues cannot be fully resolved until the person forgives and reconciles.
“Settle it now—while mercy is near” — there is a limit to God’s forbearance. There comes a time when repeated refusal to obey in this area leads to discipline, even judgment. The call is to respond while mercy is prominent and the door of voluntary obedience is open.
Now we must move from revelation to obedience. Here are four clear steps, each of which you can turn into proclamations over your life.
### Step 1: Acknowledge the Seriousness of Unforgiveness
First, we must agree with God’s evaluation: unforgiveness is not a minor flaw; it is a doorway to judgment and spiritual imprisonment.
Proclamation:
I accept that they give the adversary a foothold in my life.
I choose to treat them with the seriousness that Your Word demands.”
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where anger or bitterness has taken root. Do not argue, justify, or minimize. Name it before God as sin.
### Step 2: Identify and Forgive Those Who Have Wronged You
Second, we must make a deliberate choice of the will to forgive.
Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision. It is the act of releasing a debt.
Proclamation:
I release them from their debts to me, just as God in Christ has forgiven me.
I cancel their debts and give up all claims to revenge or repayment.”
Be specific. Name the person. Name the offense. Say, “I forgive [name] for [specific wrong]. I release them to God.”
Remember, Jesus links our receiving God’s forgiveness with our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14–15).
### Step 3: Take Initiative to Reconcile Where Possible
Third, as far as it depends on you, take practical steps to reconcile.
This may involve a call, a visit, a letter, or a message. The form matters less than the spirit: humility, honesty, readiness to own your part.
Proclamation:
I am willing to take the first step, to humble myself, to apologize where I have been wrong,
and to seek reconciliation in obedience to Your Word.”
Ask the Lord: “Who do You want me to approach?” Obey promptly. Do not delay. You cannot control the outcome, but you must obey the command.
### Step 4: Close the Door to the Adversary and Walk in Freedom
Fourth, once you have forgiven and obeyed, you have a legal basis to resist the adversary.
Proclamation:
the adversary has no more legal ground in this area of my life.
In the name of Jesus, I renounce every foothold of bitterness, resentment, and hatred.
I command every oppressive spirit connected with unforgiveness to leave me now.
I receive the freedom and peace of Christ.”
Begin to walk in new patterns: blessing instead of cursing, praying for those who have wronged you (Matthew 5:44), covering rather than exposing.
### Proclamation
Speak this aloud:
> “Jesus is my Lord. His Word is my final authority.
> He commands me to settle matters quickly with my adversary.
> Therefore, I refuse to let anger and bitterness take root in my heart.
> I choose to forgive, as God in Christ has forgiven me.
> I leave my gift at the altar and go to be reconciled where I have caused offense.
> As far as it depends on me, I live at peace with all people.
> I am a peacemaker; therefore, I am called a child of God.
> I renounce every prison of resentment and every foothold of the adversary.
> By the blood of Jesus, I am released from the bondage of unforgiveness.
> The love of God is poured out in my heart by the Holy Spirit,
> empowering me to bless, to forgive, and to reconcile.
> I choose to settle matters quickly, while mercy is near.
> In the name of Jesus. Amen.”
### Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, I bring before You every broken relationship, every unresolved conflict, every hidden resentment in my heart. I confess that where I have held on to anger and refused reconciliation, I have sinned against You and given place to the adversary.
Lord Jesus, thank You that while I was still a sinner, You died for me. Thank You that You forgave me an unpayable debt. On the basis of Your mercy, I now choose to forgive those who have sinned against me. I release them and their debts into Your hands.
Holy Spirit, search my heart. Reveal anyone I need to forgive, anyone I must approach in humility. Give me courage to obey quickly. Grant me the grace to take the first step, to swallow my pride, and to seek peace.
I ask You, Lord, to break every chain that has bound me through resentment and unforgiveness. Where the adversary has gained a foothold, I ask You to remove his legal ground through the blood of Jesus. Let Your peace rule in my heart. Make me a true peacemaker, a true child of my Father in heaven.
I choose today to settle matters quickly, to live in mercy, and to walk in the freedom of forgiven and forgiving love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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