“So, what if you are offering your gift at the altar and remember that someone has something against you?  Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24 ERV:

Jesus flips the usual order worship comes after reconciliation, not before it. Our outward acts of devotion lose their power when our hearts carry unresolved conflict. Reconciliation is not optional background noise; it is part of faithful worship. When we notice a broken relationship, the faithful thing is to pause our religious routine, seek the person we’ve hurt or who has been hurt by us, and pursue repair. That humble step, leaving the altar, going to the other, shows that God’s justice and mercy shape how we live with one another. Practicing this kind of courage and humility makes our worship honest and our community whole.

Dear Blessed Lord Jesus, give me the courage to notice the fractures in my relationships and the humility to go first. Help me set aside pride and hurry so I can seek reconciliation where it’s needed. Make my worship true by healing what is broken between me and others and teach me to love as You love. Love You, thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Your Mighty Precious Name Lord Jesus Amen.