Leaving Church Early

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

Author Eugene Peterson once wrote that when it comes to worship style, denominations are identified according to it, congregations split over it, and ministers resign over it. The plethora of ideas and debate over worship in the contemporary church can both illuminate and confuse. But Jesus had something very simple and profound to say about worship: sometimes you need to leave early!

In Jesus’ time, temple worshippers would regularly bring their gifts and offerings to the temple for the support of the temple activities and to help the poor. Such expressions of giving and worship were seen by other worshippers and were part of the regular rhythm of Jewish religious life. Jesus tells his followers to hit the pause button on worship, put the gifts aside, and leave early. The reason? Reconciliation.

Prior to these words, Jesus had warned his disciples of the danger of hurling angry insults (“idiot,” “emptyhead,” “fool”) on people, because this amounted to verbally disfiguring their humanity and the image of God in them. Angry insults and unreconciled relationships can arise out of our fears, prejudices, self- promotion, or the desire to control. Whatever the reason, we often find ourselves in strained relationships whether in marriage, friendship, family, or even with strangers.

The context of Jesus’ words makes clear that when we have wronged someone, we must pursue reconciliation—otherwise we cannot worship in good conscience. Jesus implies that our donations, sacrifices, and prayers are meaningless if we know people who have something against us. This reminds us that reconciliation is at the heart of God’s desire for the human race. Harmonious interpersonal relationships are central to what it means to be human.

Human reconciliation is never easy or straightforward. The biblical meaning of reconciliation is to be friends again. When we know someone has something against us, especially when we’re in the wrong, we are to go and try to make things right. This requires humility and forgiveness. But reconciliation—becoming friends again—is worth it, and ultimately puts us back in the right posture to worship God. So if you have to, don’t be afraid or ashamed to leave church early.

Be reconciled!

Tom Keppeler

PONDER: With whom do you need to be reconciled? What is your first step?

[Extra: more on how forgiveness works]

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Leaving Church Early

Steps to Forgiving Someone Else

1. Analyze the problem: when to forbear and when to forgive (Col. 3:13)
2. Be willing to forgive: striving for grace (Mic. 7:18; Lk. 6:27-37; 15:11-32)
3. Confront the problem: striving for truth (Lk. 17:3-4)
4. Engage in the ministry of forgiveness (Mt. 18:15-18; Jn. 20:23; 2 Cor. 2:6-10)

Love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:35-37)

From How Does Forgiveness Work? (thebrooknetwork.org), Mel Lawrenz Posted February 1, 2014.

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