Biblical Text

“So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift.” (Matthew 5.23-24, NRSV)

Reflection Video

For the video with the reflection on Matthew 5.23-24 click here.

Clarification

The Greek word adelphos, meaning brother, is almost a technical word in the Gospel of Matthew that functions as a synonym for “Christian.” Hence, the NRSV often translates it with the phrase ‘brother or sister’.

Questions

• Can you think of Christians who hold something against you? If so, how have you responded to them in the past?
• If someone has a grudge against you, how often do you try to determine if he or she has reason to be upset? If often, how do these verses challenge you? If not often, is it because you distance yourself from them or because you seek restoration?
• How does the reflection challenge the way you understood these verses? What aspects of the reflection are appealing and what are not? Why?