My heart has been burdened as I have prayed concerning the nation, elections, division, and everything. A word that has been coming to my mind for weeks is from Jesus himself: “Be reconciled.” The Lord is asking this right now, especially from His church. It is time to reconcile, meaning it’s time to make it right. 

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV).

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We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. Every believer has this ministry to reach others who are far from God. As ambassadors, we represent the King of Kings. Here’s a question to honestly ask yourself. How do you represent Jesus? Do you represent him well on social media or in church? The answer is probably yes. How well are you representing Him in your community, workplace, or family? This word concerns not only spiritual family but biological families as well. 

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 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” (Matthew 5:21-24 NLT).

In Jewish tradition, murder was only the literal act of killing. However, Jesus taught that hate was equal to breaking God’s commandment of “Thou shalt not kill” and that one who is angry at your brother without a cause is in danger of judgment. God is not pleased with offense, which often leads to hatred in our thoughts. Murder, like other sins, begins in the mind before it will be manifested through actions. Hatred is equivalent to murder in God’s eyes (see 1 John 3:15).

First, Be Reconciled

Jesus said, “If you recognize that your brother has something against you, first be reconciled.” Have you offended someone? Perhaps someone is offended by you. There will be signs like a lack of communication where there was once much communication or even a change in attitude towards you. Maybe where there was once warm fellowship, now there’s coldness. Chances are either you are offended, or someone is offended with you. Be reconciled. 

Jesus said before you offer your gift, go and make it right. In those days, giving offerings was a sign of worship to God. In other words, before you come to God’s altar to worship, address the issues in your heart. Humble yourself and confess your faults if you are the offender. If not, receive the confession of someone who’s hurt you. Either way, Jesus is clear: reconcile first, offer the gift second. Scripture says we cannot claim to love God and live in hate towards our brothers and sisters (see 1 John 4:20).

Moreover, if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother (Matt. 18:15).

When teaching his disciples about offenses, he tells them, “If someone has sinned against you or wronged you, go and tell them.” Remember, the word “brother” means there is an implied relationship. Jesus is urging reconciliation. And “if he hears you” reminds us that there may be a chance someone may refuse to accept your apology. If that’s the case, settle it in your heart that you obeyed God. You did everything you could on your end to make it right. God is pleased with your action if your conscience is clear, and your heart is free from bitterness. Know that God is delighted by your obedience to His word. 

Seventy Times Seven

Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven” (Matt. 18:21, 22). 

Simon Peter was known for his zeal. He had some anger issues before he was converted into a mighty apostle. His limit for wrongdoings was seven times. I imagine his countenance changing when Jesus said, “Not seven, but seventy times seven.” Jesus didn’t mean 490 was the cut-off point. It illustrated the infinite love of God and his mercy towards us.

Jesus then used a parable of a King who wanted to “settle accounts” with his servants. He mercifully forgives a servant’s debt but is enraged when this same servant imprisons someone who couldn’t repay their debt to him (see Matthew 18:22-35). Forgiveness is not an option for believers. We are to extend mercy and forgiveness because we have been forgiven (see Ephesians 4:32). Scripture is clear: if we do not forgive, we cannot receive God’s forgiveness and are in danger of His judgment. 

It’s Time to Settle Accounts

The phrase “settle accounts” in Matthew 18 means to bring to an end after a dispute. As believers, some of us need to “settle accounts” with our loved ones, family members, and other Christians. Go and be reconciled to them. In the words of Jesus, “Do it and do it quickly.” Look at what Jesus says in verse 25.

“When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly” (Matthew 5:25 NLT). 

This verse implies two people are headed to court to sue each other. Jesus said this after telling them to leave the gift and be reconciled. In other words, Jesus said, see your brother face to face. Settle it, and then you don’t have to go to court. Why let an offense get that far when you can settle it beforehand? 

We must lay down any earthly rights we have; although we are in this world, we are no longer of it. We are citizens of heaven. We must lay aside our pride, religiosity, and selfishness that demand our way. We no longer have a right to hold an offense. Our obligation is to the Lord and promote his kingdom, sometimes called the upside-down kingdom, because it’s the opposite of what this world offers us. 

The world keeps records of wrongdoing, but we recognize that our list of lengthy transgressions was nailed to the cross. We cannot keep records of others’ sins. We bless them when they curse us. We forgive because we have been forgiven and love because He first loved us. 

The Christian Standard Is Love

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).

How we love one another matters. Whether it’s the lost, our families, or the church, people are watching. Our love is how we will be identified as Christians. Either we will be seen as an extension of Christ’s love, or we will be seen as Pharisees who knew the Christians but did not honestly know Christ, though he stood right before them. 

Brothers and sisters, this word has been burning in my heart. It’s time to go and be reconciled. It’s time for the church to love one another, not just in word but deed. We pray for revival and restoration, which are great things. But why should we see revival when we have immediate family we refuse to speak to? How can we see revival when churches refuse to move in unity, treating each other as competitors and not brothers and sisters in Christ? It’s time to settle accounts and do it quickly. The outcome is up to God, but the obedience is up to you. 

 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:17-18 NLT).

Let’s pray together if you want God to help you settle some accounts (I, too, have had to pray like this). Word of caution: When you pray like this sincerely, God will allow you to put your prayer into action.

Father,

I come before you seeking reconciliation with _________________. I need to make it right. I don’t want to waste another minute offended; it hinders my relationship with You. I don’t want anything to come between us, Lord. I don’t want to give You my worship if it’s mingled with bitterness, offense, and unforgiveness. You deserve all of my heart, not a portion. I am making a conscious choice to forgive ________________ right now. You know the pain, whether physical or emotional, that the betrayal, mistreatment, and rejection caused me. I release that pain to You. I release the offense and the offender to You. I choose to forgive because You have forgiven me.

Give me a heart of flesh again, tender and sensitive to your will. I pray that You will heal my heart from every word or curse spoken over me. Heal me from the words and wounds that no one ever apologized for. I don’t want to give the enemy any room to use that pain to keep me in bondage to offense. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Restore the joy of your salvation once again.

Father, if I am the offender knowingly or unknowingly, I ask for forgiveness. You have given me the ministry of reconciliation. So, help me use every opportunity to draw people to Jesus. Let it begin in my family. I pray for reconciliation to start in families. I pray for healing for families who won’t speak to each other anymore. I pray to see prodigals come home. May this be the season we see family accounts settled. Bring a revival of family. 

I pray for Your church, which was bought at a high price. We are called to live above reproach. Bring healing and reconciliation within the church. Heal the dividing walls in denominations and races. No border can keep the work of the Holy Spirit out. We pray for an eviction of the spirit of religion and cry out for the spirit of revival to be poured out on Your church for such a time as this. Let Your church rise in faith, hope, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

How did this article encourage you? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images).