“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, 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 5:23-24).
The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, is the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Yet before the people of Israel ask God for forgiveness, they first seek reconciliation with one another. The lesson is clear: we cannot be right with God while remaining at odds with our neighbor.
Jesus affirmed this truth in His teaching. He told His listeners that if they remembered a broken relationship while presenting an offering at the Temple, they were to stop, leave their gift, and go make things right. For those living in Galilee, this meant a journey of at least four days back home, reconciliation, and then a return trip to Jerusalem. Reconciliation with others is not optional. It is the foundation for worship that pleases God.
Ancient Israel recognized different kinds of sin: deliberate sins against God, unintentional sins against God, and sins against one’s neighbor. Offerings and repentance could address sins against God, but offenses against others required more. They demanded confession, restitution, and reconciliation. Only then could a person stand before the Lord with a clean heart.
This practice continues in Jewish life today. In the days leading up to Yom Kippur, people search their hearts, ask forgiveness, and repair broken relationships. They do this because they know they cannot seek God’s pardon while ignoring the hurts they have caused.
The New Testament carries the same message. Zacchaeus demonstrated his repentance by making restitution, and Jesus declared that salvation had come to his household (Luke 19:8-9). John wrote that anyone who claims to love God but hates a brother or sister is a liar (1 John 4:20). Genuine love for God is proven by love for others.
As we reflect on the Day of Atonement, we are reminded that true reconciliation begins with humility. God calls us not only to confess our sins to Him but also to repair what is broken with the people around us. A restored relationship with God flows through restored relationships with others.
Is there someone you need to forgive or someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness? Ask God for the courage and humility to take the first step. Reconciliation opens the way for His blessing.
PRAYER
Father, search my heart and show me where I need to seek forgiveness or offer it. Give me the humility to repair broken relationships and the grace to walk in love, so that I may come before You with a pure heart. Amen.
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