O Lord, I bring this offering before You, but first I ask that if there is anything in our hearts, You would help us go to that brother and be reconciled. For Your Word teaches that unless we do so, we must not present our offering. If there is any quarrel with a brother, it is necessary to seek reconciliation, so that we may fulfill Your holy Word and present to You an offering that is pleasing—not with a heart filled with bitterness or resentment, which grieves our spirit. We thank You, Lord, because You remind us that in You there is love and overflowing grace.
The teaching of Scripture reminds us that our offerings are not merely a material act, but a spiritual expression that must flow from a clean and willing heart. Before giving any offering to the Lord, it is essential to examine ourselves, ask for forgiveness for any offense, and, if needed, reconcile with those we have had differences with. Such an attitude not only honors God, but also reflects the true spirit of the gospel: love, forgiveness, and unity.
Brothers and sisters, before placing our offerings in the storehouse, let us take a moment to pray and ask that everything we present to God may be received as a sweet aroma. It is not simply about giving, but about giving with gratitude, humility, and peace in the heart. An offering given in bitterness or resentment loses its essence, but when offered from a reconciled spirit, it becomes an act of genuine worship.
The Bible is clear on this principle. In Matthew 5:23–24 we find a direct instruction from Jesus:
“Therefore, if you bring your offering to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar, go your way, first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
This passage shows us that, for God, the state of our heart matters more than the offering itself. Jesus taught that reconciliation with others is a condition for our offerings to be accepted. It reminds us that love and peace with our brothers and sisters are an essential part of the Christian life.
Therefore, every time we come to bring our offerings, let us make sure to do so after seeking peace and harmony. May our prayers always include gratitude, confession, and a willingness to forgive. In this way, our offerings will not only be an outward act, but also an inward testimony of faith, obedience, and love toward God and toward others.
This teaching challenges us to look beyond the external act of giving and focus on the condition of our inner life. God is not impressed by rituals performed without sincerity; rather, He desires truth in the inward parts. When our hearts are aligned with His will, our offerings become meaningful and reflect our devotion to Him.
Reconciliation is not always easy. It requires humility, courage, and a willingness to acknowledge our faults. However, it is precisely this attitude that pleases the Lord. When we take the step to restore relationships, we demonstrate obedience to God’s Word and show that His love is at work within us.
We must also remember that forgiveness is not optional for the believer. Just as God has forgiven us through His mercy and grace, we are called to forgive others. Holding on to resentment only hardens the heart and disrupts our fellowship with God. A reconciled heart, on the other hand, experiences freedom, peace, and renewed joy in the presence of the Lord.
As we apply this teaching in our daily lives, our worship becomes more authentic. Our prayers gain depth, our offerings gain meaning, and our relationship with God grows stronger. Let us continually ask the Lord to search our hearts, remove any bitterness, and lead us in the path of reconciliation.
May every offering we bring before the Lord be accompanied by a sincere desire to live in peace with others. In doing so, we honor God not only with what we give, but also with how we live. This is the kind of worship that delights the heart of God and reflects the transforming power of His grace.