[Jesus speaking]
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.

--Parallel verses:
‭II Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬-‭21‬
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. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

When we understand the heart of God, we prioritize the best things above good things. Offering gifts to God is good. Reconciling with a brother or sister is best.

Sometimes this simple attempt to make things right opens up a whole new relationship. I have seen reconciliation happen in my family in amazing and almost unbelievable ways, because of prayer and intent.

The Apostle Paul teaches us in II Corinthians that we were first recipients of reconciliation by God through Jesus Christ. We sinned against God, and he forgave our sins and, through his Son, paid the price for them. So now he calls us to reconcile with each other.

Notice the act of reconciling is not because the other party deserves it. No, it is an act of grace and mercy. First we must forgo judgment, and then we give reconciliation (forgiveness and a renewed relationship).

This is how we represent Jesus on earth in the most impactful way. Paul calls us Ambassadors of Christ when we fulfill this command to reconcile. We become righteous when we are reconciled to God and we are then given the power to forgive and reconcile with those who may have hurt us.

Lord, thank you for the power of reconciliation! You are the King of Kings and the King of Reconciliation! Help me to shine your light of love through the discipline and gift of reconciliation!