Matthew 5:23

Matthew 5:23

Set within the rhythm of the Sermon on the Mount’s ethics, this verse situates worship within relational reality. If you’re offering a gift at the altar and remember a grievance against you by a brother or sister, relational brokenness stands in the way of true worship. The “altar” image recalls Jewish sacrifice, which symbolized devotion to God. Jesus indicates that sins against others impede worship to God; reconciliation takes precedence over ritual acts. The larger cultural expectation was that worship and moral life should be integrated; unresolved conflict pollutes both heart and ceremony. The verse invites believers to prioritize reconciliation as the prerequisite for genuine worship, highlighting that worship is not merely a private practice but a community-based pursuit.

This passage emphasizes the inseparability of worship from righteousness in relationships. It reveals the gospel’s core: God desires authentic worship that flows from reconciled hearts toward others. The command to pursue reconciliation aligns with Jesus’ mission to restore relationships between God and humanity and within communities. It also foreshadows and informs the practice of confession, forgiveness, and communal reconciliation in the church.

Practically, if you realize you’ve got unresolved conflict, take initiative to reconcile before worship or service. Send a text, make a call, or arrange a face-to-face conversation with the person you’ve wronged or who wronged you. Seek to listen first, acknowledge hurt, and propose concrete steps toward repair. This may mean postponing a worship gathering until the relationship is tended to. In everyday life, this principle can guide family meals, work teams, and friend groups—priority given to reconciliation over pride or schedule demands. By prioritizing repaired relationships, you honor God and reflect his character to others.

Cross-References: Matthew 18:15-22; 1 John 4:20-21; Romans 12:18; James 5:16; Luke 17:3-4