Altar and Alter

I came home from work spitting mad.

“How could he?”

 “Who does he think he is?”

“He doesn’t even know the truth.”

I vented during this solo conversation. My body pulsed with adrenaline. My mind raced with erratic reactions. It took some time for me to calm down. Rarely had I been this mad.

Over the next few hours, the Holy Spirit began to get my attention that He did not desire me to respond in that way. He challenged me with keeping the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). He reminded me of the teaching of Christ to love my enemies. Now, this gentleman was certainly not an enemy but it sure did feel like it in the moment. Over the next few days, I was prompted to pray for him. I somewhat reluctantly did so. I was prompted to send him a letter. I very reluctantly did so.

I didn't see any progress between us outwardly, but I knew for certain that there were shifts within me internally. I was no longer angry. I could genuinely pray for his best. I could genuinely reach out to him with appreciation. I had followed through on my responsibility for reconciliation.

Scripture

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and 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. Matthew 5:23-24

Points to Ponder

The Greek word rendered, “be reconciled,” is the root word diallasso, a compound word combining through and change. To reconcile requires change. The word also infers mutuality. To reconcile requires both entities to come together through meaningful change.

Interestingly, there is a related word used in 2 Corinthians 5:18 when God reconciles us to himself through Christ. This word’s root, katallasso, indicates change also. However, our role is passive in this transaction. We don’t do the changing; we are changed. Our position is changed in relationship to God because he has taken action to change it. He started the work, awaits our, “yes,” then completes the work.

Then we carry on this ministry of reconciliation – reconciling with others as needed and inviting others into reconciliation with God.

Another way of saying, “we love because he first loved us,” is, “we change for the good of relationships with others because he first changed us.”

Kingdom Strategy

We reconcile with God at the altar of our heart; we reconcile with others through an altered heart.