Matthew 5:25

"leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

Key Reflection

This passage emphasizes that true worship is not just about outward rituals but about internal reconciliation. Jesus instructs that before making any offerings, one must first resolve conflicts with others, highlighting the priority of relationships over religious duties.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 25,26. Agree with thine adversary quickly. This is still an illustration of the sixth commandment. To be in hostility, to go to law, to be litigious, is a violation always, on one side or the other, of the law requiring us to love our neighbour; and our Saviour regards it as a violation of the sixth commandment. While you are in the way with him, says he, that is, while you are going to the court, before the trial has taken place, it is your duty, if possible, to come to an agreement. It is wrong to carry the contention to a court of law. See 1 Co 6:6,7. The consequence of not being reconciled, he expresses in the language of courts.

Related Verses

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