“Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24, NKJV

The Apostolic Constitutions:

"Now the gift to God is each person’s prayers and thanksgivings. If, therefore, you have anything against your brother, or he has anything against you, your prayers will not be heard, nor will your thanksgivings be accepted."

The Didache:

"But let no one that is at variance with his fellow man come together with you [in breaking bread on Sunday], until they are reconciled, so that your sacrifice may not be profaned."

Tertullian:

"The memory of God’s precepts paves a way to heaven for our prayers. The chief of these precepts is that we do not go up to His altar before we resolve whatever discord or offense we have caused with our brothers. For what sort of deed is it to approach the peace of God without peace? … Our anger must not be maintained beyond sunset, as the apostle admonishes.

But how rash is it either to pass a day without prayer, while you refuse to make satisfaction to your brother, or else to lose your prayer by continuing in anger?"

Question for Today

Jesus places reconciliation with brothers before sacrifice to God.

The early Christians seem to have seen this sacrifice as prayer, thanksgiving, and communion.

How can you make reconciling with your brother as high a priority as Jesus seems to?
The Historic Faith