Making Peace With a Fellow Believer
An unfinished conversation can sit quietly between two people. We know our words caused hurt, or we remember a commitment we neglected. There may be a faithful next step we can take.
First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(Matthew 5:24, NIV, excerpt)
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed anger and contempt toward a brother or sister. He then pictured someone remembering, while bringing a gift to the altar, that another person had something against them. His instruction made reconciliation a priority. Our worship and the way we treat people belong within the same life of faith.
Begin with your own part
If you recognize a wrong you have done, bring it honestly to God. Ask Him for the humility to name it clearly and the wisdom to respond well.
A helpful conversation can begin simply: “I spoke unkindly, and I am sorry. I want to understand how that affected you.” Then make room to listen. Where something needs to be repaired, be specific about what you will do.
Respect the other person’s pace and boundaries. In a complicated or unsafe situation, seek wise help to work toward peace responsibly.
Jesus’ teaching gives weight to the relationships we might otherwise leave unattended. A sincere apology and faithful follow-through can be an act of obedience offered to Him. We can take our next step with honesty, prayer, and care.
A prayer
Jesus, search our hearts and forgive our contempt. Give us humility to own our wrongs, wisdom to pursue peace, and patient love in the conversations before us. Amen.
Read Matthew 5:23-24 in the NIV.
Keep reading: Keeping Your Word in Everyday Life · The King Who Forgave an Impossible Debt.
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Love for Jesus gives us courage to take a step toward peace.
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