A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

RECONCILE WITH THOSE YOU HAVE SINNED AGAINST  

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.”   

The “therefore” that begins today’s devotional verses ties together what Jesus has been saying about harming (murdering) your brother or sister with the words you say with the need to strive for the giving and receiving of forgiveness. The verb is in the imperative! This is an urgent matter. It cannot be hidden under the table, shoved to the side, or ignored. 

It is always important to keep in mind Jesus teaching you to pray, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (5th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer) Luther concludes his explanation of this petition with these words: “ . . So, we too will sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against us.” (Small Catechism)  

Remember Peter’s question to Jesus where he asked, “How many times must I forgive my brother?” Peter thought seven times should be sufficient. But, Jesus responded, “not seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22) Jesus gives the supreme example of this when He prayed from Calvary’s cross, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) 

St. Paul exhorted the Colossians Christians, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:13-14) Giving forgiveness is one of the marks of Christian discipleship.   

Prayer: Lord, even as you have forgiven me, give me a forgiving heart. In Jesus’ name. 

“Forgive our sins as we forgive,”  
You taught us, Lord, to pray;   
But You alone can grant us grace   
To live the words we say. 

How can Your pardon reach and bless  
The unforgiving heart  
That broods on wrongs and will not let  
Old bitterness depart? 

In blazing light Your cross reveals  
The truth we dimly knew;  
What trivial debts are owed to us,  
How great our debt to You! 

Lord, cleanse the depths within our souls  
And bid resentment cease;  
The, bound to all in bonds of love,  
Our lives will spread Your peace.  (LSB 843)