““For I say unto you, that EXCEPT your RIGHTEOUSNESS shall EXCEED THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE SCRIBES AND PHARISEES, ye shall in NO CASE ENTER INTO THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN…” Matthew 5: 20 (Emphasis mine)
Like the Pharisees and the Scribes, our righteousness is always questionable in the eyes of our Lord. We try as much as we can to present a picture-perfect disposition in the sight of those around us in order to gain their trust and respect but deep within us, we know we are not who or what we claim to be. We sometimes forget whom we are to please. The more we try to please ourselves and those around us, the more we offend the Lord. But if we choose to please the Lord, it’s likely the residue will end up pleasing those around us. No wonder Jesus expects our righteousness to exceed that of Scribes and Pharisees. Let’s consider Matthew 5:23-24;
“So, 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.” NLT, (Emphasis mine)
Jesus exposed another Pharisaic nature we constantly exhibit before Him, and that is in the area of giving. There are two basic reasons we give or make sacrifices to God. First of all, we give in order to make peace or reconcile with God. And secondly, we also give or make sacrifices to demonstrate our love for him. Therefore, when we are giving to God irrespective of the reason, there is one protocol to observe. That is reconciliation protocol. The above text says “…that someone has something against you…”
It is very easy for us to know those who have offended us due to our selfish nature. But those we offend we easily forget. How can we reconcile with God or demonstrate our love to Him, when we have not seen him before and forget about those around us? Therefore, the above text suggests, in order to make peace with God or show our love to him, we must first of all demonstrate it to one another. In effect, reconciling with each other is as equally important as with God. Kingdom righteousness demands we reconcile with all those whom we might have offended before giving our offerings. Otherwise, our sacrifices and offerings would have no effect.
The lack of reconciliation has complicated the lives of many believers and we end up blaming God for our own actions and inactions. We have unnecessary police and court cases that has become albatross around our necks. If we had demonstrated our righteousness in trying to reconcile with those whom we have offended, things wouldn’t get that far. Let us consider Matthew 5:25-26;
“RECONCILE QUICKLY (APOLOGISE) with your adversary, while you ARE STILL ON THE WAY to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and YOU MAY BE THROWN INTO PRISON. Truly I tell you, you will NOT GET OUT UNTIL YOU HAVE PAID THE LAST PENNY.…” BSB, (Emphasis & Insertion mine).
Beloved, as believers we shouldn’t allow our self-righteousness and ego prevent us from reconciling with those we have offended. Reconciliation is not initiated by the ‘offended’ but rather the ‘offender’. Let us apologize from the depths of our hearts and forgiveness will be unleashed towards us. Even if we are refused forgiveness, we have demonstrated our Kingdom righteousness and our Lord and Master will be pleased.
PRAY WITH ME
Lord Jesus, I thank you this day for my life. From this day forward, I have resolved to reconcile with anyone I have offended. I will let go of my pride and apologize from the depths of my heart. Holy Spirit, please guide me and help me to achieve this. This I pray in the mighty name of Jesus! Amen!
Author: REV. SOLOMON KWAME LUTTERODT: