Spiritual Warfare: 'God Rejects Your Worship Until You Reconcile'

God's Power for Our Battles — Friday, March 27, 2026

So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there at the altar. Go and make peace with that person, and then come and offer your gift.
— Matthew 5:23-24 NCV

Today's Prayer

Lord, forgive me for all the times I’ve come to worship You with malice in my heart against my brother or sister. It is sobering to realize that You actually reject my worship until I’ve done all I can to make it right between us. From now on, Lord, I want to worship You with a clean heart, so please place on my heart right now anyone who has something against me so I can go and make it right. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Be Reconciled!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued:] "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you,...."
The Jesus Vibe: Daily Altar of Grace
Article by Phil Ware
Can't I just keep a little of my life protected from this? Phil Ware takes the two love commands of Jesus, the Greatest Commands, and applies them to all of life for a follower of the Lord.
Daily Altar of Grace
Article by Phil Ware
God isn't going to accept anything we offer him — our hearts, our Sunday worship, our offerings, our praise, our hopes, our private prayers, our dreams — if we knowingly remain at odds with a brother or sister in Christ. Phil Ware takes the two love commands of Jesus, the Greatest Commands, and applies them to all of life for a follower of the Lord.
Skipping Communion?
Article by Phil Ware
Jesus didn't pray for unity just so Christians could sit in a happy circle, hold hands, and sing Kum Ba Yah around the campfire at church camp. Phil Ware reflects on the words of Jesus, the actions of the apostle Paul, and the example of a couple of men in his life, all focused on the theme of reconciliation.
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 5:23-24

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:23-24 NCV — So when you offer your gift to God at the altar, and you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there at the altar. Go and make peace with that person, and then come and offer your gift.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Friday, March 27, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Alive in Christ' (Ro. 6:1-5)
"Dear Father, God of grace, Shall I continue in sin that grace may abound? Never, never, never! May I never presume that being under grace is a..."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Don't Make Holy Days Harmful!'
"Dear Disciple, Having lived among you, I know the challenges and temptations of human flesh (Hebrews 4:15). Something that troubles Me, however, is....."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'The Sword of the Spirit' (Ep. 6:17)
"Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Galatians 6:1
"If someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

About This Devotional

Spiritual Warfare is a daily devotional about God's power for our battles.

The Prayer for Spiritual Warfare is written by Steve Hemphill.

More Spiritual Warfare