Matthew__5

Scripture 

Matthew 5:21-22 -"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘ Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”

Matthew 5:23-24-““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.

Observation-What does it say?

This chapter is Jesus' sermon on the mount. It is a sermon that Jesus preached to His disciples, covering various topics that is still applicable to Christian disciples today. Based on Matthew Henry bible commentary, "It is the longest and fullest continued discourse of our Saviour that we have upon record in all the gospels."

Understanding-What does it mean?

The highest form of worship is loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is worship that is acceptable to God.

Here are a few Bible verses and quotes from several commentaries that I did research in. 

"Forgiveness and reconciliation is the highest form of worship on earth." (The Geneva study bible)

"Reconciliation takes precedence of all other duties, even of offerings made to God.....The lesson teaches us to be reconciled with all who bear grudges against us, and says nothing as to whether their reasons are sufficient or insufficient, just or unjust." (McGarvey and Pendleton)

"This shows that one guilty of wrongs to his fellow-man cannot offer acceptable worship of God. (B.W. Johnson's Bible commentary)

"We ought carefully to preserve Christian love and peace with all our brethren; and if at any time there is a quarrel, we should confess our fault, humble ourselves to our brother, making or offering satisfaction for wrong done in word or deed: and we should do this quickly; because, till this is done, we are unfit for communion with God in holy ordinances. And when we are preparing for any religious exercises, it is good for us to make that an occasion of serious reflection and self-examination." (Matthew Henry's concise commentary)

A gift or a prayer does not substitute for love. "For neither thy gift nor thy prayer will atone for thy want of love: but this will make them both an abomination before God."-(Wesley's Explanatory notes)

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV

““But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”Luke 6:27-28 NIV

““If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that.” Luke 6:32-33 NIV

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Romans 12:18-19 

Life Application

God is a God of love, relationships and reconciliation. We cannot claim to love God, yet hate a brother or a sister in Christ. God wants us to forgive our brothers and sisters from our heart or else He will treat us the way the Unmerciful servant was treated in Matthew 18:21-35. 

“We love because he first loved us. Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.” 1 John 4:19-21 NIV

This is one of the, if not the longest Soul Journal I've written as an opening post because I believe it is important to God's heart. I grew up in church and I've seen way too many times people look for another church or leave church altogether because they say they love Jesus, but they don't love His people. They don't love His bride. Scripture specifically states that that thinking is wrong!! We must love, reconcile and forgive our brothers and sisters from our hearts. When you forgive someone from your heart, you forego getting even with them, even in a passive way. Passive ways of getting even are gossip, slander and leaving the relationship/church family without first trying to work it out. We cannot say we love God, yet be bitter and unforgiving towards a brother or sister in Christ. Jesus says being angry with a brother/sister is the same as committing murder.

In Scripture, Jesus goes as far as saying to leave our gift at the altar. When I personalize it, He's basically telling me not to do ministry until my relationship with my brother/sister is reconciled, especially if I was the one in the wrong. If I don't do it, that gift is unacceptable to God. Sounds harsh, but then again, the God we serve is a God is love and relationship and relationships are more important than how heartfelt it is when I pray, encourage, sing, play piano, lead worship, write a SJ, tithe, administrate or teach for Him. I must love Jesus and people first before the music or gifts I want to offer Him. 

Dear Lord, You know my life and my heart and some of the ways You've had to personally walk me through this. I've had to put aside my gifts so that I could reconcile with my brother and sister because of miscommunication, misunderstanding, or hurt/anger that we had to work through. I desire to worship You and prove my love for You not just through song, but also through loving and submitting to my spouse, my children, and loving my brothers and sisters in You. I desire worship that is acceptable to You. Amen. 

-Michelle Gaddi