Source sequence 8 of 85

Be Reconciled

Scripture

Primary passage

Matthew 5:21–26

21 “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause will be in danger of the judgment. Whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ will be in danger of the council. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. 23 “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.

Primary passage · World English Bible

The command

Hear what Jesus commands.

Treat broken relationships urgently; pursue reconciliation rather than using worship to avoid unresolved anger and harm.

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus deepens the command against murder by addressing anger, contempt, and unreconciled relationships.

What this reveals

What this reveals about God.

Jesus forms peacemakers who value people, address conflict honestly, and refuse contempt.

Practice this command

Take one concrete step.

Identify one relationship where you contributed to harm. Pray, name your part without excuses, and request a conversation to seek peace where it is safe and appropriate.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What does this passage reveal about the connection between anger, contempt, worship, and reconciliation?

Pray

Pray this.

Father, expose contempt in us. Give us humility to own our part, courage to seek peace, and wisdom where reconciliation requires boundaries.

Teach

Teach it simply.

Distinguish forgiveness, repentance, reconciliation, and restored trust; Jesus’ urgency does not erase safety or wisdom.

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