Bible Passage: “…First go and be reconciled with your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5:24 CSB)
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:16-19
A lot of men are naturally competitive. We want to win in life in every way possible.
The desire to win makes us a little more aggressive, whether we are playing a game or working on a project.
But for some reason, when it comes to a relationship, our idea of winning means that the other person comes around to agreeing with my perspective.
You’ve probably said or thought something like this:
“If they want to work things out, they know how to reach me.”
And then you continue along with your life.
Jesus sees things differently from you.
In Matthew 5, He is clear that if you are aware that your brother or sister has something against you, it is your responsibility to make the first move to reconcile with them.
Passive men wait for the other person to make the first move. Faithful men make the first move themselves.
This is such a serious issue to Jesus that He teaches us to do this before we come to worship God. Reconciliation with people sets the foundation for worship that will be honoring to God. Your ability to have a proper relationship with God is directly connected to an appropriate relationship with others.
Before you ignore or get frustrated by this command, remember this is what Jesus did for you.
God saw that you and I were acting like His enemies, and He sent Jesus to reconcile us to Himself. He made the first move so you could be reconciled to Him, and He has given you that same ministry of reconciliation.
If you want to be a man who is like Jesus, you’ll be the man who makes the first move.
Prayer: God, give me the courage to make the first move towards reconciliation. Help me to see how You have done the same thing for me and how Your initiative has changed my life. Amen.
Reflection: What did it take for Jesus to make the first move towards reconciliation with you? What would it take for you to make the first move to reconcile with another person?
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