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

God's Power for Our Battles — Thursday, March 27, 2025

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 Thursday, March 27, 2025

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Pamela Reeve:
"Faith is realizing that I am useful to God not in spite of my scars but because of them."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Good Spouses' (Ep. 5:25-33)
"Dear Father, Help me to be the good husband that you want me to be. Help me to love my wife even as Christ loves his church, being willing to give..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Shorten That Time!' (Mt. 24:15-22)
"[Talking to his disciples about coming conflicts and disasters, Jesus continued:] "The day is coming when you will see what Daniel the prophet spoke....."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Waiting for His Day in Court' (Acts 23:35)
"[Paul had arrived in Caesarea to appear before the Governor, Felix, who told him:] "I will hear your case myself when your accusers arrive," the..."

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