Pursuing Reconciliation

Pursuing Reconciliation

If you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.

Matthew 5:23-24

IN A PERFECT WORLD, there would be no need for apologies. But in our imperfect world, we cannot survive without them. We are moral creatures; we have a strong sense of right and wrong. When we are wronged, we experience hurt and anger. The wrong becomes a barrier between the two people involved. In marriage, this creates tension, and our unity is threatened. Things are not the same in the relationship until someone apologizes and someone forgives.

When wrongdoing has fractured a relationship, something within us cries out for reconciliation. The desire for reconciliation is often more potent than the desire for justice. The more intimate the relationship, the deeper the desire for reconciliation. Reconciliation is so important to God that Jesus instructed his hearers to settle any offenses before offering a sacrifice to the Lord. Before we can humble ourselves before God, we need to humble ourselves and confess our wrong to those we have offended.

When a husband treats his wife unfairly, she often has two reactions. On the one hand, she wants him to pay for his wrongdoing; but at the same time, she wishes for reconciliation. It is his sincere apology that makes genuine reconciliation possible. If there is no apology, her sense of morality will push her to demand justice. Apologies are necessary for good relationships.

Father, I see how important reconciliation is to you. Thank you for reminding me that apologizing and forgiving are integral parts of a marriage. Help me to be willing to reconcile with my spouse so that our relationship will remain strong.

Reconciliation