Be Reconciled!

Leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5: 24). It is useless to give offerings to God while you are at enmity with your brother. Jesus said that His followers should be reconciled with anyone who has something against them. The world seeks reconciliation on limited terms. Christians are to be reconciled, whatever it takes. You say, “But you don’t know how deeply he hurt me! It's unreasonable to ask me to restore our relationship” or “I tried but she would not be appeased.” Jesus did not include an exception clause for our reconciliation. If the person is an enemy, Jesus said to love him. (Matt. 5: 44). If he persecutes you, you are to pray for him. If she publicly humiliates you, you are not to retaliate (Matt. 5: 39). If someone takes advantage of you, you are to give even more than he asks (Matt. 5: 41). The world preaches “Assert yourself.” Jesus taught, “Deny yourself.” The world warns that you will be constantly exploited. Jesus’ concern was not that His disciples be treated fairly but that they show unconditional love to others regardless of how they are treated. Men spat upon Jesus and nailed Him to a cross. His response was our model: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23: 34). If there were ever a command that is constantly disobeyed, it is this mandate to be reconciled. We comfort ourselves with the thought, “God knows that I tried to make things right, but my enemy refused.” God's Word does not say “Try to be reconciled,” but “Be reconciled.” Is there someone with whom you need to make peace? Then do what God tells you to do.” —Henry T. Blackaby, Richard Blackaby, Experiencing God Day by Day

Loving others is easy when they’re kind, grateful, or like-minded—but Jesus calls us to a deeper kind of love: one that shows mercy when it’s undeserved and grace when it’s hard. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also… if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two.” (Matthew 5:39–41) This isn’t weakness—it’s strength under the power of the Spirit. Jesus isn’t asking us to be doormats, but to live with a love that breaks cycles of anger, bitterness, and retaliation. It’s a love that doesn’t keep score, doesn’t seek revenge, and dares to reflect the kindness of God even in the face of cruelty. This kind of love isn’t natural—it’s supernatural. It’s formed in the quiet moments of surrender, when we choose obedience over offense, peace over pride. Loving like this doesn’t mean we ignore justice or allow harm, but that we respond from a place of Christ-shaped compassion rather than human reaction. It’s hard, yes—but it’s holy. And every time we love when it’s hard, we are echoing the heart of Jesus—the One who loved us when we were at our worst and went the extra mile… all the way to the cross. —DH