Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 23
Meaning
When Jesus said, "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee," in the gospel of Matthew, He was teaching that true worship involves not only offering sacrifices at the altar but also reconciling with others. This verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships with others, especially before presenting offerings to God. It highlights the significance of resolving conflicts and seeking forgiveness from those we have wronged before approaching God in worship. By addressing any issues with our brothers and sisters, we demonstrate obedience to God's commandments and show love and respect for our fellow believers. This verse serves as a reminder that our relationships with others are interconnected with our relationship with God, and true worship requires reconciliation and forgiveness with one another.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is teaching his disciples about the importance of reconciliation in relationships. When he mentions bringing a gift to the altar, he is referring to the act of making an offering to God. However, he emphasizes that if someone remembers a conflict or disagreement with another person, they should first seek reconciliation with that person before making their offering. This highlights the priority of relationships and forgiveness in the eyes of God. The word "ought" in this verse carries the connotation of a debt or obligation, suggesting that unresolved conflicts can be a barrier to true worship. This verse serves as a reminder that our relationships with others are interconnected with our relationship with God, and forgiveness and reconciliation are essential aspects of our spiritual life.