Seeking Reconciliation

If an offense is too serious to overlook, or if we think someone may have something against us, we will go promptly to seek reconciliation.

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift”. (Mt. 5:23-24)

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother”. (Mt. 18:15)

Wow, this can be challenging. Why should we initiate reconciliation with someone even if we don’t want to? There are several reasons:

• God commands it (notice it doesn’t say only go if you are at fault, either way we are to seek reconciliation).
• Jesus reputation and our witness to others is affected by the peace and unity we have with other believers ( John 13:35, 17: 20-23).
• It demonstrates love for your brother. If they have anger or resentment towards you it will not only hinder their relationship with you but with God (Eph. 4:3-31).
• It is a good way to live out “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Rom. 12:18).

Reconciliation does need both parties cooperation, and we are to pursue it, but the only person we really have control over is ourselves. Living out this principle ensures we are doing our part. Living with tension between you and another person can rob your joy, hinder your relationship with God, destroy your witness, and even affect your health. Do all you can to seek reconciliation with others. Next week we will talk about how to approach someone.