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“Settle Quickly in Peace” takes us directly into the sharp, searching words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. The central text is:
> “Make friends quickly with your opponent at law while you are with him on the way, so that your opponent may not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.
> Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last cent.”
> — *Matthew 5:25–26 (NASB)*
Alongside this, Jesus also says:
> “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
> — *Matthew 5:23–24 (NASB)*
And:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
> — *Matthew 5:9 (NASB)*
Paul adds:
> “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
> — *Romans 12:18 (NASB)*
And:
> “Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
> — *Colossians 3:13 (NASB)*
The song is a call from Jesus Himself: settle quickly, reconcile swiftly, do not allow anger, resentment, or unforgiveness to imprison your soul. This is not optional, decorative Christianity. This is foundational to true discipleship.
We must place ourselves in the setting of Matthew 5. Jesus is speaking to Jewish listeners in Galilee under Roman occupation. They are familiar with:
In Matthew 5, Jesus is not abolishing the Law; He is exposing its deeper, heart-level meaning:
> “For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
> — *Matthew 5:20 (NASB)*
Immediately after this, He addresses anger and reconciliation:
> “You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER’ … But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court…”
> — *Matthew 5:21–22 (NASB)*
Then, without changing subject, He moves straight to reconciliation and settlement of disputes (Matthew 5:23–26). The theme is one: God is not only dealing with outward acts like murder. He is dealing with the inner court of the heart—anger, offense, resentment, broken relationships.
In Jesus’ illustration (Matthew 5:25–26):
For His listeners, this was vivid. Debtors’ prisons were real. If you owed, and the court condemned you, you could be locked up until the last coin was paid. Jesus uses this earthly picture to reveal a spiritual reality: unresolved offenses, unpaid moral “debts,” and unhealed relationships have consequences—both temporal and spiritual.
In Matthew 5:23–24, the same context continues. Jewish worshipers would bring offerings to the altar in the temple. Jesus says, in essence: “If, at that very holy moment of worship, you remember a broken relationship—drop everything. Go deal with it first. God will not accept worship that bypasses reconciliation.”
The song faithfully echoes this:
> “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”
This is in line with Hosea 6:6:
> “For I delight in loyalty (hesed) rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
God’s priority is clear: mercy, loyalty, reconciliation—then sacrifice, worship, service.
Let us consider two key expressions that open the meaning of Jesus’ words.
### 1. “Make friends quickly / Settle matters quickly” (Matthew 5:25)
The Greek verb is εὐνοέω (*eunoeō*), used in the sense “be well-disposed, be on good terms with, be reconciled.” The idea is not merely legal settlement, but changing your attitude toward the one who has something against you.
“Quickly” is ταχὺ (*tachy*)—swiftly, without delay, promptly.
The emphasis is:
This shows us that reconciliation is not just an action; it is an internal reorientation of the heart. It is a deliberate choice to abandon hostility and seek peace.
### 2. “Opponent / Adversary” (Matthew 5:25)
The Greek word is ἀντίδικος (*antidikos*). It can mean:
Elsewhere, Peter uses this same word for Satan:
> “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary (*antidikos*), the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
> — *1 Peter 5:8 (NASB)*
In Matthew 5, the *antidikos* is primarily a human party in conflict. But the legal imagery—adversary, judge, officer, prison—also hints at the spiritual court of heaven and the Accuser. When we refuse to settle disputes in God’s way, we risk giving the devil legal grounds—accusation, footholds, and bondage.
This is echoed in Ephesians 4:26–27:
> “BE ANGRY, AND YET DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”
The phrase “give the devil an opportunity” literally means “give place to the devil”—give him ground, a foothold, a legal right to operate.
So when Jesus says, “Make friends quickly with your adversary,” He is not only concerned with horizontal relationships, but with closing any door through which Satan might accuse, devour, or imprison.
We will move through the main themes in the lyrics, showing the scriptural depth.
### A. The Journey to Court: Deal With Conflict *On the Way*
> “Make friends quickly with your opponent
> While you’re still on the way to court…”
Jesus’ picture: you are not yet at the court; you are on the way. There is still time to settle. There is still room for mercy. This speaks to the period of grace in which we live.
Life itself is “on the way” to God’s judgment seat:
> “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body…”
> — *2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB)*
During this “on the way” time, how we handle conflicts matters eternally.
The lyrics continue:
> “You’ll stay locked up until every last penny is paid
> Don’t let anger turn into something you can’t escape”
Unresolved anger leads to spiritual bondage:
Jesus’ legal image points to spiritual consequences. Many believers today live in inner prisons—of fear, torment, emotional bondage—because they have not settled matters “on the way.”
### B. Worship and Reconciliation: God’s Order
> “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”
This is a direct restatement of Matthew 5:23–24. Notice the order:
1. You come to the altar with a gift (prayer, worship, service).
2. You remember there is a broken relationship.
3. You leave the gift.
4. You go and seek reconciliation.
5. You then return and offer your gift.
God is saying: relational obedience precedes religious offering.
The lyric adds:
> “God wants mercy, not just sacrifice
> Reconcile fast—don’t let the sun set on your anger”
Here Scripture interprets Scripture:
The urgency is emphasized again. Delayed reconciliation hardens the heart and enlarges the foothold of the enemy.
### C. Peacemakers as Sons of God
> “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”
This stanza weaves together several key texts:
Notice: being a peacemaker is not the same as being a peace-lover. Many love the idea of peace. But peacemakers actively step into conflicts, humble themselves, initiate reconciliation, and absorb cost. This is Christlike, for God Himself took the initiative:
> “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
> — *Romans 5:8 (NASB)*
To be a peacemaker is to reflect the nature of the Father, which is why Jesus says they will be called “sons of God.” The family resemblance is seen in how we handle offense.
The line: “Forgive as you’ve been forgiven” is central. The measure and pattern of our forgiveness is God’s forgiveness of us:
> “Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”
> — *Colossians 3:13*
If we lose sight of how much we have been forgiven, we will withhold forgiveness from others. That is the essence of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35). He had been forgiven an impossible debt, then refused to release a much smaller debt. The result: he was handed over to the torturers “until he should repay all that was owed him.”
Jesus ends that parable:
> “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
> — *Matthew 18:35 (NASB)*
Unforgiveness brings “torture”—inner torment, spiritual oppression, bondage. The song’s line,
> “The prison of resentment only chains your soul
> Freedom comes when you choose to let it go”
is a very accurate spiritual diagnosis.
### D. The Growth of Bitterness
> “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”
Scripture confirms this progression:
> “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.”
> — *Hebrews 12:15 (NASB)*
Bitterness begins as “small things”:
If “we let them stay,” they develop roots. Rooted bitterness does not remain private; it “defiles many.” Whole families, churches, and ministries have been destroyed by unaddressed offenses that grew into bitterness.
The remedy is in the lyric: “But grace steps in and makes a way / Humble yourself, reach out today.” The barrier to reconciliation is usually pride:
> “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.”
> — *1 Peter 5:5 (NASB)*
When we humble ourselves, grace flows. Grace enables us to take the first step, even if we feel we were mostly right. Biblical peacemaking is not about who was 60% or 40% wrong. It is about who will be first to obey God.
### E. The Danger of Delay: While Mercy Is Near
> “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”
This echoes several urgent texts:
There is a “while” to mercy. There is a season when the Holy Spirit is prompting, convicting, softening. If we resist, delay, and justify ourselves, our hearts grow harder, our ears dull. We may find later that we can no longer feel the conviction we once felt. That is dangerous.
Therefore, the repeated refrain:
> “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court
> Do it while you are still together on the way…”
The time to act is now—while the Spirit is speaking, while the relationship is still “on the way,” before the matter arrives before the Judge.
### F. Legal Imagery and Spiritual Warfare
The repeated mention of:
points to a reality many believers overlook: the legal dimension of the spiritual world.
God is Judge. Satan is accuser (Revelation 12:10). Sin, unforgiveness, and unresolved debt give him grounds of accusation. When we refuse to repent, forgive, or reconcile, we are, in effect, agreeing with our accuser rather than our Advocate (1 John 2:1). We step into an arena where we may be “handed over” to discipline or torment until we “pay” what we refused to settle in mercy.
That is why Jesus’ command is so strong and urgent. Reconciliation is not mere emotional relief. It is a strategic act of spiritual warfare that:
We will now make this intensely practical. If you want to “settle quickly in peace,” there are clear steps.
### 1. Examine Your Relationships Before God
Take time in the presence of the Holy Spirit and pray:
“Lord, show me any brother, sister, family member, or person who has something against me, or whom I hold something against.”
Then wait. Names, faces, situations will come to mind. Do not push them away. That is God’s mercy revealing your “on the way” opportunities.
Ask yourself:
Where the answer is “yes,” you have found a place where reconciliation is needed.
### 2. Repent of Your Part and Renounce Unforgiveness
Before you deal with the other person, deal with God.
Confess:
Name these sins. Do not generalize.
Then make a deliberate decision of your will to forgive. Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a choice to release a person from the debt they owe you, because God has released you from your infinitely greater debt.
You may pray:
“Lord, I choose to forgive [name]. I release them from every debt I feel they owe me—emotional, financial, relational. I cancel the debt in Jesus’ name, as You have canceled mine.”
Renounce also the spiritual footholds:
“I renounce anger, bitterness, and resentment. I close every door I have opened to the enemy through unforgiveness. I submit this situation to the blood of Jesus.”
### 3. Take Initiative to Reconcile *As Far as It Depends on You*
Romans 12:18 gives a vital qualification: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.”
You are responsible for your obedience, not for their response.
That may mean:
When you go, do not focus on defending yourself. Go in humility. Go ready to acknowledge your part. Even if you believe they were 90% at fault, own your 10% completely.
Sometimes, for reasons of safety or wisdom, reconciliation may not mean close contact. In cases of abuse or severe manipulation, “peace” may mean forgiving from a distance and not seeking revenge, while maintaining appropriate boundaries. The key is: you are not holding their sin against them or seeking their harm.
### 4. Maintain Peace Through Daily Discipline
Peace is not maintained by feelings but by habits:
Make it your personal policy:
“I will not allow small things to become big things. I will address them early, in humility, with the goal of peace.”
### Proclamation of Faith
Speak this aloud, deliberately, in the presence of God:
> **I proclaim that Jesus Christ is my Judge and my Advocate.
> I accept His command to make friends quickly with my adversary while I am on the way.
> I choose to settle matters quickly and not let the sun go down on my anger.
> I refuse bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness.
> I forgive others as God in Christ has forgiven me.
> I choose to be a peacemaker and not a peace-breaker.
> As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with all.
> I close every door I have opened to the devil through anger and unforgiveness.
> I receive the peace of Christ to rule in my heart.
> I will walk in mercy, not just sacrifice, and I will worship God with a clean heart.
> In Jesus’ name. Amen.**
### Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, righteous Judge and merciful Savior,
I come to You and submit to Your Word.
Where I have been angry, where I have held on to offense, where I have refused to forgive, I repent.
Search my heart and reveal every broken relationship, every root of bitterness, every hidden resentment.
By Your grace, I choose to forgive those who have sinned against me, just as You have forgiven me.
Break every chain of resentment and every prison of bitterness in my life.
Close every door I have opened to the enemy through unforgiveness.
Fill me with Your Holy Spirit—the Spirit of grace and supplication, the Spirit of love and peace.
Make me a true peacemaker, a true child of my Father in heaven.
Give me courage to take the first step, humility to admit my faults, and perseverance to pursue peace.
Let Your peace rule in my heart and guard my mind.
And may my worship rise before You from a heart that is clean, reconciled, and obedient.
I ask this in the name of Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Amen.
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