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“Let us look at what the Word of God says.”
> “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.”
> — Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV)
The central theme of this song is very clear: God places reconciliation with our brother or sister above religious activity and outward worship. In the order of God’s kingdom, relationships come before rituals, and peace comes before offerings.
Linked to this are three major Scriptures:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
> — Matthew 5:9
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
> — Romans 12:18
> “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.”
> — Matthew 5:25a
The song is not simply about being “nice” or “apologizing.” It addresses a critical spiritual principle: unreconciled relationships hinder worship, block prayer, and close the door to the full flow of God’s blessing. Reconciliation is not optional; it is part of the very structure of kingdom life.
This is what I want to unfold:
---
Matthew 5 is the beginning of what we call the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is speaking primarily to Jewish disciples and crowds who were familiar with the Law, the Temple, and the sacrificial system. When Jesus speaks of “offering your gift at the altar” (Matthew 5:23), His hearers would immediately think of:
For them, going to the altar was not a casual religious moment. It required:
So Jesus paints this picture: you are standing right at the altar, about to offer your gift to God. At that most sacred moment, you remember that your brother or sister has something against you. Notice:
The initiative is not placed on the offended party, but on the one who becomes conscious of a broken relationship. In other words:
This is a radical statement in a context where sacrifice was central. Jesus is re-ordering priorities:
1. First, reconciliation with your brother or sister.
2. Then, offering your gift to God.
This does not mean God despises offerings or outward worship. It means that He refuses to receive them when our hearts are at war with others and we refuse to deal with it.
He is in line with the prophets:
> “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,
> and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.”
> — Hosea 6:6
And with Samuel’s words to Saul:
> “To obey is better than sacrifice,
> and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
> — 1 Samuel 15:22
Jesus is placing obedience in relationships above ritual correctness, and reconciliation above religious performance.
---
Let us now consider two key words: “be reconciled” and “peacemakers.”
### 1. “Be Reconciled” – καταλλάγηθι (katallagēthi)
In Matthew 5:24, the phrase “be reconciled” translates the Greek verb καταλλάσσω (*katallassō*). This word means:
It is not a superficial “say sorry.” It implies a change in the relationship status. The hostility is removed. Something is exchanged:
The same root is used in 2 Corinthians 5:18–19:
> “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them…”
The pattern is clear:
When Jesus says, “First go and be reconciled,” He calls us to act in line with how God has treated us in Christ.
### 2. “Peacemakers” – εἰρηνοποιοί (eirēnopoioí)
In Matthew 5:9:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
The Greek word is εἰρηνοποιός (*eirēnopoiós*), from eirēnē (peace) and poieō (to make, to do). It means:
“Peace” here is not just the absence of conflict. Biblically, it reflects the Hebrew concept shalom:
Peacemakers are those who cooperate with God to restore shalom in relationships—vertically with Him and horizontally with others. This explains the second part of the verse:
> “…for they will be called children of God.”
Why? Because they act like their Father. God is the great Reconciler. When you actively make peace, you show the family likeness.
These word studies deepen our understanding of the lyrics: reconciliation is not a token apology; it is active, costly, intentional peace-making in the likeness of God Himself.
---
Let us walk through the themes of the lyrics and align them with Scripture.
### A. “If you’re about to place your offering on the altar…”
The lyric mirrors 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…”
The emphasis is on remembering. The Holy Spirit often brings to mind names, incidents, or faces at the very point of worship. That is not random. It is God saying, “You cannot bypass this issue and expect My full blessing.”
The lyric says:
> “Don’t go on with your worship just yet
> Leave your gift there, walk away for a moment
> First go and make things right with that person
> Only then come back with a heart that’s free”
This captures the structure of Jesus’ command:
1. Stop the worship act.
2. Leave the gift.
3. Go and be reconciled.
4. Then come and offer your gift.
Notice, Jesus does not say: “Forget the offering.” He says: “Pause it until you have done what is more important.”
Theologically, this tells us:
This agrees with 1 John 4:20:
> “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.”
If hatred or resentment is lodged in our hearts, our claim to love God becomes false in practice.
### B. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary…”
This stanza reflects Matthew 5:25:
> “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.”
The lyric adds:
> “Don’t let broken relationships linger and grow
> Make peace fast, while there’s still time to heal
> Forgiveness opens the door to true worship”
Here we see another spiritual principle: time works against unresolved conflict.
That is why Scripture says:
> “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
> — Ephesians 4:26–27
There is a direct connection between unresolved anger and a foothold for Satan. A “foothold” in Greek is topos—a place, a territory. Unreconciled relationships create territory in our lives where Satan has access.
This is not just psychological; it is spiritual warfare. Refusal to reconcile is an invitation to demonic activity.
The lyric states:
> “Forgiveness opens the door to true worship.”
Forgiveness is not merely an emotional release. It is:
When we forgive, we release others—and we release ourselves into a place where worship is no longer blocked.
### C. “Blessed are the peacemakers…”
> “Blessed are the peacemakers,
> For they will be called children of God
> If it’s possible, as far as it depends on you,
> Live at peace with everyone…”
Here two Scriptures meet:
> “Blessed are the peacemakers…” — Matthew 5:9
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18
These give balance.
On one side, Jesus pronounces a blessing on peacemakers. They are called children of God. This is an identity statement. Peacemaking is not an optional “extra” for gentle personalities. It is a mark of sonship and daughterhood.
On the other side, Paul recognizes limitation:
> “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you…”
This means:
Sometimes the other person refuses reconciliation. In such cases:
The lyric continues:
> “Don’t let the sun go down while you’re still angry
> Speak the truth in love, restore what’s been broken”
Two more Scriptures align:
Reconciliation is not pretending nothing happened. It is truth in love. We do not deny the wrong; we bring it into the light, with a heart willing to forgive and restore.
### D. “God wants our hearts more than our offerings”
> “God wants our hearts more than our offerings
> Give up pride, take a step toward peace
> He sees the hurt we carry and the walls we build
> But in humility, His mercy is revealed
> Take the first step, even if it’s hard
> True worship flows from a reconciled heart”
Again, this is consistent with Scripture:
> “These people honor me with their lips,
> but their hearts are far from me.”
> — Matthew 15:8
God is not impressed with words, songs, or financial offerings that come from a heart barricaded by pride and resentment. He looks at the heart. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).
Notice the order:
Humility is the gateway to mercy. When you are willing to say:
You are positioning yourself under the flow of God’s mercy, both in your life and in the relationship.
The lyric concludes that:
> “True worship flows from a reconciled heart.”
This is theological reality. A heart at war horizontally cannot be fully open vertically.
### E. “Don’t wait for them to come to you…”
> “Don’t wait for them to come to you
> Go quickly, make things right…”
This is precisely what Jesus said:
> “First go and be reconciled…” — Matthew 5:24
The initiative is on the obedient disciple, not on the offender or the offended party. We cannot say, “I’ll reconcile if they make the first move.” That is not kingdom thinking. God made the first move toward us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). When we imitate Him, we become true children of God.
> “Clear the way for your prayer to rise
> A heart at peace brings joy to God’s eyes
> Reconciliation first—then worship pure”
Here is another critical spiritual law: broken relationships hinder prayer.
Jesus said:
> “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
> — Mark 11:25
Peter adds:
> “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives… so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
> — 1 Peter 3:7
Resentment, unforgiveness, and neglected reconciliation clog the channel of prayer. You can pray long, loud, emotional prayers, but if your heart is holding on to offense, your prayer is hindered.
The lyric rightly declares: “Reconciliation first—then worship pure.”
Pure worship is worship that is:
---
Now, let us be practical. This is where many stumble. They agree in theory, but they do not act. I will outline four steps, each to be practiced deliberately.
### Step 1: Invite the Holy Spirit to Search Your Relationships
First, we must move out of self-deception.
Pray something like Psalm 139:23–24:
> “Search me, God, and know my heart;
> test me and know my anxious thoughts.
> See if there is any offensive way in me,
> and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Then be specific:
Write down the names or situations that come to mind. Do not argue with them. The Holy Spirit is a faithful witness.
### Step 2: Renounce Pride and Choose Forgiveness
Second, we must deal with the inner barrier: pride and unforgiveness.
Say before God, out loud if possible:
Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a decision based on the cross. You may still feel pain. But you have changed the legal ground in the spiritual realm.
If there is hidden hatred, confess it as sin (1 John 1:9). Do not sanitize it. Call it what God calls it.
### Step 3: Take Concrete Steps Toward Reconciliation
Third, we must act. Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
Ask God for wisdom in each case. The form may vary:
Your aim is not to win an argument but to seek reconciliation. Some simple phrases:
Do not start by accusing or defending. Start with owning your part.
In some cases, the person may refuse. In others, they may be hostile. Remember Romans 12:18. Once you have genuinely done what “depends on you,” you can have peace before God.
In cases of abuse or serious harm, you need the counsel of mature leaders. Reconciliation does not mean placing yourself back into destructive patterns. But even then, forgiveness and release are required, though boundaries may remain.
### Step 4: Align Your Worship and Prayer With a Reconciled Heart
Fourth, we must integrate this into our normal spiritual practice.
If God shows you something, obey quickly. Your sensitivity will grow as you practice.
Then, when you worship and pray, do so with a clean, reconciled heart, expecting:
A reconciled heart is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. Satan feeds on bitterness, strife, and accusation. When you walk in reconciliation, you close doors to him.
---
### Proclamation of Faith
Speak this aloud as a declaration of alignment with God’s Word:
> “Father, in the name of Jesus, I declare that I receive Your call to reconciliation.
> You have reconciled me to Yourself through the blood of Jesus,
> and You have given me the ministry of reconciliation.
>
> I affirm that relationships are more important to You than outward offerings.
> As Your child, I choose to live as a peacemaker.
>
> I renounce pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness.
> I refuse to give Satan any foothold in my life through unresolved anger.
> As far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with all people.
>
> I choose to forgive those who have wronged me,
> and I am willing to take the first step toward those who have something against me.
>
> I declare that my worship will flow from a reconciled heart,
> my prayers will not be hindered,
> and my life will bring joy to my Father’s heart.
>
> Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
> By Your grace, I am a peacemaker, and I am Your child.
> In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
### Prayer
Now let us pray:
“Lord Jesus, You are the Prince of Peace. You made peace through the blood of Your cross. I bring before You every broken relationship, every hidden resentment, every unspoken offense.
Holy Spirit, shine Your light into my heart. Reveal to me anyone with whom I need to make things right. Give me courage to obey, humility to repent, and wisdom to speak the truth in love.
Where I have been the offender, grant me grace to confess and seek forgiveness. Where I have been wounded, grant me grace to forgive and release. Close every door I have opened to Satan through anger, bitterness, or pride. Let the power of the blood of Jesus cleanse my conscience from dead works, that I may serve You with a free heart.
Father, I ask that my worship would be acceptable to You, coming from a reconciled, humble, and obedient heart. Make me a true peacemaker, marked as Your child in a world of division.
I submit to Your order: reconciliation first, then worship. Work this deeply into my life. In the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.”
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