Day 15 — Make It Right

“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.”

— Matthew 5:23–24 (BSB)

The last two days, we talked about forgiving people who have hurt us. Today, let’s flip it around. What about when we are the ones who hurt someone?

Jesus said something surprising. Imagine you’re at the temple, about to give an offering to God. That’s an important, holy moment. But then you remember: Oh no. My friend is upset with me because of something I did.

What should you do? Jesus said: stop! Leave your gift right there. Go make things right with your friend first. Then come back and worship God.

Wow. Jesus is saying that making peace with people matters so much to God that it’s even more urgent than bringing Him an offering. We can’t be right with God while refusing to make things right with others.

To be reconciled means to be brought back together after being apart. It means fixing a broken relationship.

How do you make things right? It starts with a real apology. A real apology is more than a mumbled “sorry.” Here’s what a good apology includes:

1. Say what you did. “I’m sorry I made fun of your drawing in front of everyone.”
2. Don’t make excuses. Not “I’m sorry, but you were being annoying.” Just “I’m sorry.”
3. Say how it hurt them. “That must have been really embarrassing.”
4. Make it right if you can. “I’ll tell them I was wrong.” Or, if you broke something, offer to fix or replace it.
5. Ask for forgiveness. “Will you forgive me?”

Watch out for fake apologies like “I’m sorry you feel that way” or “I’m sorry if you got upset.” Those aren’t really apologies. They put the blame on the other person.

Apologizing is hard. It takes humility. Your face might get hot, and you might feel embarrassed. But making things right is one of the bravest and most Christlike things you can do. And it usually makes you feel so much lighter afterward.

Think about it: Is there anyone who has “something against you” right now? Why do you think it’s so hard to apologize?

Try this: If there’s someone you need to make things right with, go and do it today, using the five steps of a real apology.

Dear God, forgive me for the times I’ve hurt others. Give me the humility and courage to go and make things right. Help me give real apologies, without excuses. Thank You that You care so much about peace between people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.