Good Morning!
Here is today’s devotion to start your day.
Monday devotions include the audiobook version of the devotion.
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Scripture: Matthew 5:23-24
“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”
Reflection
Jesus shocks His listeners by placing reconciliation above sacrifice. In the temple, the altar was sacred—the meeting place of God and His people. Yet Jesus says that if you remember a broken relationship, worship must wait until you seek peace.
This was a radical and potentially costly concept. Many worshippers traveled a long way to give their gifts in the Temple. To leave a gift at the altar and reconcile a broken relationship could cost time—and it could cost pride to ask forgiveness.
Jesus tells us that worship that bypasses bitterness is incomplete. The Spirit convicts us not only of sins against God but also of sins against each other. Reconciliation may not always mean resolution, but it does mean opening the door, offering forgiveness, admitting wrong, or seeking peace where possible.
In this teaching, Jesus reveals the heart of the Father, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ. Our worship becomes authentic when it flows from a heart at peace with God and others. To reconcile ourselves to others is not weakness—it’s Kingdom strength.
Centering Prayer
Father,
You desire mercy more than sacrifice. Teach me the power of mercy in my relationships. Give me courage to humble myself, forgive freely, and seek peace with those around me. Let my worship rise from a heart aligned with Your love so that I may live in the freedom of your Kingdom. – Amen.
Practice for Today
Ask the Spirit to bring to mind someone you need to reconcile with.
Take a small step—a prayer, a call, or a note—that opens the way to peace.
Journaling Prompt
Who comes to mind when I think about broken relationships?
What would reconciliation, even in small steps, look like today?
Blessing for the Day
Seek peace before you bring your gift before God.
Learn to forgive yourself as you reconcile with others.
Develop relationships with others that reflect God’s mercy.
Walk today in the freedom of Kingdom love.
Pray as You Go
Breathe in: Reconciled to God…
Breathe out: ... reconciled to others