Moment of Meditation: Leave Your Offering (Matthew 5:23-24)

[Jesus continues:] "If therefore you are presenting your oferring at the altar,
and there remember that your brother has something against you,
leave your offering there before the altar, and go your way;
first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering."
(Matthew 5:23-24)

Leave Your Offering

In many Lutheran congregations, there is a time for sharing God's peace before Communion. This was instituted on the basis of these verses. To clear up any problems that there might be between congregational members before we come before the altar to receive Christ's body and blood in the Sacrament.

Jesus wants us to settle our problems amongst ourselves like the family He has created us to be. To love one another. To bear each other's burdens. To forgive when forgiveness is needed.

Jesus wants us to forgive each other when we sin against each other. Not wait for someone to come and ask for forgiveness. To seek out those who have sinned against us. Offer them your forgiveness. Then we are in the proper mindset to worship our Lord. Amen.